Sorry for the blogging hiatus; I've been working like a madman trying to take care of some summer projects before the school semester kicks in. I would be devoid of anything worth posting about had it not been for Brad Fitzgerald, one of those friend of a friends who I wish I could have gotten to know better (Brad, you're friends with the McKinzies and the Hudkins, two couples I esteem more highly than they will ever know). He commented on my relatively recent Stumbling Prophet posts. He basically asks this question: Does God want use to be happy, healthy, and wealthy?

I'll have to agree with him mostly that no, He's probably not concerned with our ideas of fulfillment; namely whatever happiness means, health, and wealth. There is a sense in which, however, God is a great comforter. When you read through the Psalms, you read a lot about being delivered from enemies, about lying down next to cool waters, etc. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

C.S. Lewis writes about the concept of "Joy" and about how it is anchored in that Holy, Numinous place where God lurks just beyond our perception. There is a sense of great peace and contentment, the Nirvana not of being emptied, but of being filled with the Spirit. I think this is where God wants us, and I think this is how the angels feel when they surround the throne and sing praises to God throughout eternity.

How far removed is that feeling from the novelty of buying a new car! So in my opinion, God is not concerned with happiness so much as Joy, the Joy (as you said, Brad) that comes from having a relationship with Him.