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The true God of Scripture is revealed as being “the happy God”! Unlike the religious views of God, our God is truly a God of joy. He is not an old angry man with a scowl upon His face. He actually is a happy God, and we have Scripture that teaches us this wonderful truth!
“According to the glorious good news of the happy God, which was committed to my trust” (I Timothy 1:11).
Here, Paul calls God “the happy God.” Most versions translate this phrase, “the blessed God.” However, the same Greek word, makarios, is also translated in most other versions as “happy” (see for example the King James Version in the following verses: John 13:17; Acts 26:2; Romans 14:22; I Peter 3:14; 4:14).
Why is makarios translated as “happy” in one place, and “blessed” in another? Maybe the theology of the translators had a real difficulty viewing God as being happy, and just could not bring themselves to translate it consistently this way.
Here are a couple of versions that are consistent by their translation of “the happy God:”
“In accord with the evangel of the glory of the happy God, with which I was entrusted” (Concordant Literal New Testament).
“According to the glad-message of the glory of the happy God, with which entrusted am, I. (Rotherham's Emphasized Bible).
The source of this revelation concerning God is from Paul. God uses him to reveal to us that He is happy. That God is happy is a message uniquely committed to the trust of God’s grace apostle.
“According to the glorious good news of the happy God, which was committed to my trust” (I Timothy 1:11).
Christendom is unaware that God is happy because they have missed the distinct revelation that was committed to Paul’s trust. To know God as “the happy God” one must view Him through the letters of Paul. Without such a knowledge of this unique unveiling of the true nature of God by the international apostle of Christ, one is left to an incomplete, veiled view of our Father. After all, it was given to Paul to “complete the Word of God” (Colossians 1:25).
Why is God happy? Why wouldn’t He be, for He “works all things after the counsel of His Own will” (Ephesians 1:11)?
The god of religion is desperately trying to regain control of his lost universe. Yet he has already conceded that he will lose the battle and forever forfeit the vast majority of his creation to the hand of his more successful opponent. Little wonder that the god of religion is so annoyed and mad.
But not so with the true God of Scripture! God is happy because He has designed a grand plan of redemption that includes the reconciliation of all things back to Himself. This is the good news committed to Paul’s trust! It is this good news that reveals to us “the happy God.” “… the glorious good news of the happy God …”
This glorious good news encompasses the completed, successful cross-work of our Lord Jesus Christ for all of creation!
“That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him” (Ephesians 1:10).
“Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself; by Him, I say, whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven” (Colossians 1:20).
God has never lost control of His universe. He is in charge – always has been, always will be. Every plan of His is right on schedule, and one day He will reach His glorious consummation and be “All in all” (I Corinthians 15:28). Therefore, regardless of what religion thinks or says to the contrary, Father is happy. He is “the happy God,” and He is the only true source of our own joy and happiness. Then, since Father is happy, His children can be happy. After all, those of us who already know God for Who He truly is, and have already been made His righteousness, can be happy.
“Even as David also describes the happiness of the man, unto whom God credits righteousness apart from works, saying, ‘Happy are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Happy is the man to whom the Lord will not charge sin.’” (Romans 4:6-8).
So, enjoy life! Wake up every morning and bask in the goodness and grace of “the happy God” Who loves you and lives in you. Embrace His happiness throughout the day, regardless of the situation or circumstances in which we may find ourselves.
“Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he” (Proverbs 16:20).
Radio Speaker:
Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
“The glorious good news of the happy God” (I Timothy 1:11).
Did you know that God is “the happy God”? Now there’s a startling revelation, isn’t it? Startling but true!
The god of religion is cold, calloused, cantankerous, mean-hearted – in a word he, is just plain unhappy – and he is out to make your life miserable.
This is a great resource for personal and family study, as well as a valuable reference volume covering many varied biblical themes.
