From a study released in 2008, it was found that the more frequently a person attended worship service, the more likely they were to say they were “pretty happy” or “very happy.” Among those who attended weekly, 40% said they were “very happy” while 51% said they were “pretty happy.” Among those who never attended worship, 25% were “very happy” and 57% were “pretty happy.”
The one book that emphasizes happiness in the New Testament is Philippians. The word “joy” or a form of it, like “rejoice,” is found 16 times in these four chapters! And yet, when Paul writes this letter, he is in prison! As an individual, you might not be married to the right person or your marriage has fallen apart, or you don’t have kids and want them, or you don’t have a job you like, or you don’t have the money you want, or you are dealing with some physical, health issues. But as a Christian, especially depending on how frequently you attend worship, you are more likely than not to say you are very happy or pretty happy, as opposed to those who are not Christian or don’t take their Christian faith seriously.
We take a look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Why could Paul be so joyful, in jail? I just read the first chapter of Philippians, asking myself that very question. Here’s what I found…
1. Christians know that God is in control of the world! 1:3. If He is in control of the world, then we know He is in control of our lives. He will not allow Satan to have so much control over us that our souls will be in jeopardy (1 Cor. 10:13). Of course, Christians can pray to the all powerful God and know that He will work all things together for our good, according to His will (Rom. 8:28).
2. Christians have a support group that stretches around the globe. 1:5, 7; 2:1-2. We love each other. We support each other. We give to each other. We pray for each other. Christians know that we are a spiritual family and we act that way. When bad times come, we know we have others who can help us.
3. God will make things better. 1:6, 11; 4:12-13. Yes, I make mistakes. But, as a Christian I don’t beat myself up over it because I know the punishment for my sins have already been laid on the back of Jesus Christ. So, as a child of God in Jesus Christ, He is making me a better person. Even the bad things that happen in my life, in the sovereign power of God, are making me a better person.
4. Christians are focused on other people. 1:12-14; :2:14-16; 4:15-19. We don’t sit around and mope and whine, “Woe is me!” Yes, our faith falters sometimes; we are not immune to fears, anxieties, and doubts. But we always come back to our core world view. And then we turn our thoughts back to serving others.
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5. Christians don’t dwell on the negative and stew in our bitterness towards others. 1:10, 15-18. Why are Christians happier? Because the Bible teaches us to think happy thoughts! Think about what is excellent. Are there people doing bad things? Yes. But look at the good things they do as well. Don’t focus on the bad. Focus on the good. Look at 4:8.
6. Christians are focused on glorifying Jesus Christ. 1:20-24. Christians are married to Christ and because our lives are focused on glorifying Him, then we know that in whatever state we are in, we can be content because Christ is the focus. You can’t have a higher, stronger, point of focus in the times of trouble than the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
7. Of course, Christians know that we have a better world waiting for us. 1:23; 3:20-21. Buddhists look forward to “Nothingness.” Christians look forward to eternity in the presence of God. So, whatever I experience here on this earth, it’s only temporary. Yes, sometimes it seems forever, but its not. Heaven is real and heaven is forever.
So, I have found 7 reasons why Paul was happy as a Christian, despite being in prison. They are 7 reasons that we would find throughout the NT and they are reasons why you and I are, on average, happier than people who are not Christians. As the evidence shows, the more frequently we worship, the more likely we are to say we are happy.
When it comes to physical health, what does the research show? Modern Americans who attend church regularly outlive those who do not. Those who go to church have an average life expectancy 7.6 years longer than those who don’t go to church.
The Bible, specifically Christianity, is good for Americans’ mental and physical health.
–Paul Holland
