I hear a platitude about God and his relationship to us repeated regularly—God just wants me to be happy. But how does anyone know that’s what God wants for you or me? The Bible never uses such a phrase. This idea springs from our therapeutic culture that places us at the center of the universe—God exists to make me happy.

But what if God wants more for us than happiness? What if happiness (such an elusive feeling) is simply a by-product of something else? The Lord, speaking through Isaiah, clarified the attributes of people who draw his attention:

These are the ones I look on with favor; those are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

Happiness, if it comes at all, emerges from a heart in tune with the Lord. A heart close to the Lord remains modest, chastened, and shudders before God’s holiness. Furthermore, such a person finds themselves exposed when reading their Bible. The scriptures point them toward God and away from self. Knowing God and walking with him become the focus—not our happiness.

God just wants me to be happy expresses a shallow, childish view of the Christian faith. God holds so much more. Tremble at his word and see how much deeper the Lord may take you.

Isaiah 66 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Deleece Cook