Our Happy God
What makes God so happy? Three times we are told that our God is “blessed forever” (Rom. 1:25; 9:5; 2 Cor. 11:31). But what makes Him so happy? Well, I’m sure there are many contributing factors. For example, being perfectly holy must be a great source of happiness. The absence of uncertainty, through knowing the end from the beginning, must also engender huge happiness.
But maybe we can also learn about divine happiness from human happiness. In Where does happiness come? Oscar del Ben reflects on this question, and gives four possible answers. I couldn’t help but think of how his “human” answers may give theological insight into some sources of God’s happiness.
1. Giving “stuff” away
As the giver of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17), God is always extraordinarily and immeasurably happy. But what all-surpassing happiness accompanied His greatest gift, the gift of His only Son for sinners!
2. Creating something
What happy days for God, when He was creating the universe (Prov. 8:30-31)! What satisfaction as He spoke the universe into existence. Each day His happiness was expressed as He saw everything so good. Then came the apex, the climax, when He made humanity: “All very good!”
3. Connecting people
While the devil is the great divider and separator of humanity, God is the great “connector.” By His plan of grace, He is connecting people with Himself and with one another. By the Gospel of Christ, He smashes barriers and tears down walls (Eph. 2:14-17). By the Gospel, He creates unity and community.
4. Doing something new
Ultimately, God is behind every discovery, every advance, every invention. He is the source of all newness, all imagination, and all innovation. With every soul saved, He makes all things new (2 Cor.5:17). By His Holy Spirit, He is renewing His people day by day (Eph. 4:24). Finally, He will make all things new (Rev. 21:5). What an exuberantly happy day that will be, both for God and His people!
No wonder Paul calls his message “the glorious Gospel of the happy (blessed) God” (1 Tim. 1:11).
