Are Christians supposed/allowed to feel happy?

[Glib Gurl]

I know this sounds like a strange question. But let me explain.

Sometimes when I'm feeling happy (which is different than feeling joyful, which I believe comes from fellowship with God) I feel guilty . . . especially if I'm feeling happy because of something frivolous, like reading a good book or eating a tasty meal or something. I feel like I should be in my prayer closet or doing charity work - not entertaining myself.

What do you think?

Thanks,

GG

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I know this sounds like a strange question. But let me explain.

Sometimes when I'm feeling happy (which is different than feeling joyful, which I believe comes from fellowship with God) I feel guilty . . . especially if I'm feeling happy because of something frivolous, like reading a good book or eating a tasty meal or something. I feel like I should be in my prayer closet or doing charity work - not entertaining myself.

What do you think?

Thanks,

GG

You are too cute, Glib Girl.

Of course its ok to feel happiness...it came from the Father and He gave it to us so freely.

I have to say that most times, I feel happy. I love the little things in life that makes me happy like, having an ice cream cone every now and then, or watching children play at the playground and the best yet is Springtime....! Oh, I love Springtime when all the flowers are coming up and the grass begins to grow and the leaves are coming forth on the trees....its wonderful to be happy.

Being in our prayer closet with God is something we should WANT to do. It's not something that you have to do...God has given us free will and when we have fellowship with Him, our desire is to spend time with Him and prayer is what causes that to happen.

Enjoy your life, sis. This journey should be a happy one!

Blessings to you, always.

 

[dlewis]

God want us to be happy. Who would want to be a christians if christians are not allowed to be happy?

 

[Glib Gurl]

Thank you for your feedback ladies. While I know this in my heart, sometimes it gets lost in my head, y'know?

 

[Mocha5]

Absolutely! From 1 Peter 3:

10 "People who want to live a full life and enjoy good days must keep their tongues from saying evil things, and their lips from speaking deceitful things
11 They must turn away from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it.
12 The Lord's eyes are on those who do what he approves. His ears hear their prayer. The Lord confronts those who do evil."

I , personally, think that living holy is a prerequisite to happiness. In other words, that ice cone that Nice & Wavy speaks of tastes even better when you know Christ and the flowers are that much more beautiful. Its as if all of your senses are heightened. It's a magnificent place to be...a place where depression, sadness, failure, and lonliness can't take root. It may try to creep in (had one of those days last week) but it can't stay because The Holy Spirit resides within us and we are more than conquerors.

Ummm..you'll have to excuse me. I'm a lil' silly today for some reason. I think somebody on this board has rubbed off on me!

 

[Butterfly08]

Absolutely! From 1 Peter 3:

10 "People who want to live a full life and enjoy good days must keep their tongues from saying evil things, and their lips from speaking deceitful things
11 They must turn away from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it.
12 The Lord's eyes are on those who do what he approves. His ears hear their prayer. The Lord confronts those who do evil."

I , personally, think that living holy is a prerequisite to happiness. In other words, that ice cone that Nice & Wavy speaks of tastes even better when you know Christ and the flowers are that much more beautiful. Its as if all of your senses are heightened. It's a magnificent place to be...a place where depression, sadness, failure, and lonliness can't take root. It may try to creep in (had one of those days last week) but it can't stay because The Holy Spirit resides within us and we are more than conquerors.

The bolded is so true! I had one of those days yesterday but even in the midst of it my spirit was fighting to shake it off. I feel totally better today.

 

[michc]

I know this sounds like a strange question. But let me explain.

Sometimes when I'm feeling happy (which is different than feeling joyful, which I believe comes from fellowship with God) I feel guilty . . . especially if I'm feeling happy because of something frivolous, like reading a good book or eating a tasty meal or something. I feel like I should be in my prayer closet or doing charity work - not entertaining myself.

What do you think?

Thanks,

GG

I understand exactly where you are coming from because I have had times like this in the past - but I have learnt that guilt does not come from the Holy Spirit; only from the devil.

The idea is to make you hate living the Christian life, because happiness isn't allowed, which ultimately will render you useless and powerless as a follower of Christ.

We are allowed to be happy, as long as we remember that as we are told in Ecclesiastes there is a time for everything - we can't be happy all the time.

It is much better to focus on the 'Joy of the Lord' that being a true follower of Christ provides, as no circumstance, good or bad, can take that away from you.

Blessings to you Glib Gurl

 

[CoilyFields]

I agree with what the ladies have already said.

But the only time feeling happy may lead to guilt is if we are trying to replace the God-void with that "item" or "activity" or "person". Thats what he calls lovers of revelry and lasciviousness...when the sensual things (touch taste see smell etc.) supercede the spiritual and become addictions or little gods.

But other than that to watch out for...Girl Please! Dont worry...be Happy!!!!