“We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free” (Alcoholics Anonymous 4th ed., p. 133). Here’s what the Good Book told the folks:
How to Be Happy (Blessed)
Psalm 84:12:
O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 112:1:
Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 119:1, 2:
ALEPH. Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart.
Psalm 126:3:
The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.
Psalm 146:5:
Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:
Proverbs 15:13a:
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: . . .
Proverbs 16:20:
He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy [is] he.
Proverbs 17:22a:
A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: . . .
Jeremiah 15:16:
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
Luke 11:28:
But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Romans 15:13:
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Galatians 5:22, 23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.