I Am Happy: Finding Joy in Who God Says I AmNäide

I Am Loved and Chosen by God

Happiness starts where identity is secure. The world will tell you that joy rises and falls with performance, appearance, or success. But God tells a different story – one that begins long before you took your first breath.

“God chose us in him before the creation of the world… In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 1:4–5 NIV

Think about that. Before any achievement, before any failure, before you formed a single goal or dream – God wanted you. His love is not reactive. It doesn’t wait to see how well you behave or how spiritually impressive you become. You are loved because He decided you are His.

This is where happiness first takes root. You don’t have to chase belonging – you already have it.

Many people spend their lives trying to prove they deserve love. They work harder, strive for approval, and hope that being good or successful will secure happiness. But true joy doesn’t grow in a life of constant performance anxiety. It grows when you can finally rest – knowing you are chosen.

“…my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." – Isaiah 54:10b NIV

Unfailing love means God’s love won’t disappear when you’re struggling. You might feel overlooked by others, but you are always seen, always valued, always wanted by God.

Jesus wanted His disciples to never doubt this:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” – John 15:9 NIV

Just as the Father has loved Jesus – fully, perfectly, joyfully – Jesus loves you. And that love produces joy.

Joy isn’t a prize for the spiritually successful. It is the natural outcome of knowing you are securely loved. When your happiness is rooted in God’s affection instead of human approval, it becomes resilient – it lasts.

If the world ignores you tomorrow, you are still chosen. If someone walks away, your value doesn’t change. If you lose a title, a job, or momentum in life, God’s love stays the same. Nothing – not pressure from the world or pain from the past – can separate you from Him.

This is why you can say with confidence: I am happy – because I am loved.

Take Time to Reflect

• What parts of your happiness depend on other people liking or accepting you?
• How might life feel lighter if you believed God’s love is secure every day?
• What is one way you can remind yourself today: “I am loved and chosen by God”?