The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which also God is magnified and exalted

The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which also God is magnified and exalted

Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian and preacher of the Great Awakening in America, believed that true happiness could only be found in rejoicing in God. In his sermon titled "The Happiness of the Creature Consists in Rejoicing in God," Edwards expounds on the idea that our ultimate purpose and fulfillment as human beings can only be achieved through a deep and abiding relationship with God.

According to Edwards, the happiness of the creature – that is, mankind – is intricately tied to our ability to find joy and satisfaction in God. He argues that God created us for the purpose of glorifying Him and enjoying Him forever. Therefore, our true happiness can only be found in fulfilling this purpose and living in communion with God.

Edwards believed that when we rejoice in God, we are not only fulfilling our own purpose but also magnifying and exalting God. By finding joy in God's presence and acknowledging His greatness, we are giving Him the honor and praise that He deserves. In this way, our happiness is not selfish or self-centered, but rather it is a means of glorifying God and fulfilling His divine plan for us.

For Edwards, true happiness is not found in material possessions, worldly success, or fleeting pleasures. Instead, it is found in the eternal and unchanging love of God. He believed that when we turn our hearts and minds towards God, we will experience a deep and lasting joy that surpasses all understanding.

In a world that is often filled with pain, suffering, and uncertainty, Edwards' message of finding happiness in God is a powerful and comforting reminder of where true fulfillment lies. By focusing on our relationship with God and finding joy in His presence, we can experience a sense of peace and contentment that transcends our circumstances.