Is God concerned more about our holiness than our happiness?

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We would say that if God is concerned about our holiness (and He is), then He must also be concerned about our happiness--not the shallow, superficial type of happiness, but the happiness that consists of a deep-seated satisfaction in Him. The reason is that this type of happiness is necessary to being holy; it is a central aspect of holiness. Would God be honored by someone who said "I seek to obey God, but I don't like it"? Or, "I'm a Christian, but it doesn't make me glad to know I have a relationship with God"? God is honored when we follow Him because we want to, not just because we ought to.

We are continually taking delight in earthly things; shouldn't we take even more delight in God to prove that He is more valuable than everything we have in this world? How is it holy to take delight in things like friends, family, food, nice weather, and so forth (and there is certainly a place for such delight), but not take even more delight in the One who is far more important than all those things?

There are many biblical texts that command us to be happy in God. If we are commanded by God to take delight in Him, then such happiness is necessary to a holy (obedient) life.

"Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name" (Psalm 97:12).

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart..." (Matt. 22:37).

"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Thy works!'" (Psalm 66:1, 2).

"Delight yourself in the Lord" (Psalm 37:4).

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Further Resources

John Piper, Desiring God, chapter 3 and chapter 4.

John Piper, "True Christianity: Inexpressible Joy in the Invisible Christ."

"Enjoyment is Not Optional"

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