Happiness

ADDRESS TO THE READERS

Since time immemorial man looks for happiness. Has he found it? What is happiness actually? Is it possible to be happy in this world? Why is it so difficult to meet a happy person? Why aren’t we happy? How can we obtain happiness?

These and many other questions have prompted this research in the word of God and some inspired books. I hope it may be of some help to all of us, because, who does not want to be happy?

INTRODUCTION

“Man’s strongest impulse urges him to seek his own happiness, and the Bible recognizes this desire and shows us that all heaven will unite with man in his efforts to gain true happiness.” ML, p. 160.

“God seeks our real happiness. If anything lies in the way of this, He sees it must first be removed. He will thwart our purposes and disappoint our expectations and bring us through disappointments and trials to reveal to us ourselves as we are.” OHC, p. 81.

” The Bible places the responsibility of our happiness upon ourselves.” ML, p. 184.

” We are so anxious, all of us, for happiness, but many rarely find it because of their faulty methods of seeking, in the place of striving. We must strive most earnestly and mingle all our desires with faith. Then happiness steals in upon us almost unsought.” ML, p. 184.

WHY THERE IS NO HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD

” The world is full of dissatisfied spirits who overlook the happiness and blessings within their reach and are continually seeking for happiness and satisfaction that they do not realize. They are constantly on the stretch for some expected, far-off good greater than they possess and are ever in a state of disappointment. They cherish unbelief and ingratitude in that they overlook the blessings right in their pathway.” 2 MCP, p. 646.

” Multitudes are vainly seeking happiness in worldly amusements. They crave something which they do not have. They are spending their money for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which satisfieth not. The hungering, thirsting soul will continue to hunger and thirst as long as it partakes of these unsatisfying pleasures. O that every such one would listen to the voice of Jesus, ‘If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.’ Those who drink of the living water will thirst no more for frivolous, exciting amusements. Christ, the wellspring of life, is the fountain of peace and happiness.” Ev., p. 266.

” Many who are seeking for happiness will be disappointed in their hopes, because they seek it amiss. True happiness is not to be found in selfish gratification, but in the path of duty. God desires man to be happy, and for this reason He gave him the precepts of His law, that in obeying these he might have joy at home and abroad. While he stands in his moral integrity, true to principle, having the control of all his powers, he cannot be miserable. With its tendrils entwined about God, the soul will flourish amid unbelief and depravity. But many who are constantly looking forward for happiness fail to receive it, because, by neglecting to discharge the little duties and observe the little courtesies of life, they violate the principles upon which happiness depends.” OHC, p. 63.

” He who seeks happiness by changing his outward surroundings without changing his own disposition, will find that his efforts will produce only fresh disappointments. He carries himself with him wherever he goes. His unrest, his impatience, his uncontrollable thoughts and impulses, are ever present. The great trouble is in himself. Self has been cherished. He has never fallen upon the Rock and been broken. His will has never been trained to submit; his unyielding spirit has never been brought into subjection to the will of God.” RH, February 2, 1886.

” Sin is the cause of all our woes. If we would have true peace and happiness of mind, sin must be removed.” OHC, p. 81.
” The way to true happiness remains the same in all ages. Patient continuance in well-doing will lead to honour, happiness, and eternal life.” ML, p. 167.

” O that every one might realize that he is the arbiter of his own destiny! Your happiness for this life, and for the future, immortal life lies with yourself.” MYP, p. 210.

WHERE CAN HAPPINESS BE FOUND

1. IN HEALTHY LABOUR

” Labour Was Appointed for Man’s Happiness. God is a lover of the beautiful. He has given us unmistakable evidence of this in the work of His hands. He planted for our first parents a beautiful garden in Eden. Stately trees were caused to grow out of the ground, of every description, for usefulness and ornament. The beautiful flowers were formed, of rare loveliness, of every tint and hue, perfuming the air… It was the design of God that man should find happiness in the employment of tending the things He had created, and that his wants should be met with the fruits of the trees of the garden.” AH, p. 27.

” God ordained that the beings He created should work. Upon this their happiness depends. No one in the Lord’s great domain of creation was made to be a drone. Our happiness increases and our powers develop as we engage in useful employment.” LS, p. 87. ” Our usefulness depends on our own course of action.” ML, p.184.

” To Adam was given the work of caring for the garden. The Creator knew that Adam could not be happy without employment. The beauty of the garden delighted him, but this was not enough. He must have labour to call into exercise the wonderful organs of the body. Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But He who created man knew what would be for his happiness; and no sooner had He created him than He gave him his appointed work. The promise of future glory, and the decree that man must toil for his daily bread, came from the same throne.” AH, p. 27.

2. IN THE HOME

” The principle inculcated by the injunction, “Be kindly affectioned one to another,” lies at the very foundation of domestic happiness. Christian courtesy should reign in every household… The wife and mother may bind the hearts of her husband and children to her own by the strong cords of love, if in her intercourse with them she will manifest unvarying love in gentle words and courteous deportment.” RC, p.190.

” The happiness of the family depends much upon the wife and mother.” FLB, p. 256.
” To a large degree the happiness of men and women and the success of the church depend upon home influence. Eternal interests are involved in the proper discharge of the every-day duties of life. The world is not so much in need of great minds, as of good men, who are a blessing in their homes.” GW, p. 204.

” No one can so effectually ruin a woman’s happiness and usefulness, and make life a heart-sickening burden, as her own husband; and no one can do one hundredth part as much to chill the hopes and aspirations of a man, to paralyze his energies and ruin his influence and prospects, as his own wife. It is from the marriage hour that many men and women date their success or failure in this life, and their hopes of the future life.” AH, p. 43.

” The happiness and prosperity of the marriage relation depends upon the unity of the parties; but between the believer and the unbeliever there is a radical difference of tastes, inclinations, and purposes. They are serving two masters, between whom there can be no concord. However pure and correct one’s principles may be, the influence of an unbelieving companion will have a tendency to lead away from God… The Lord’s direction is, ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers’ (2 Cor. 6:14, 17, 18).” CC, p. 57.

” But remember that happiness will not be found in shutting yourselves up to yourselves, satisfied to pour out all your affection upon each other. Seize upon every opportunity for contributing to the happiness of those around you. Remember that true joy can be found only in unselfish service.” MH, p. 362.

3. IN GOOD HEALTH

” So closely is health related to our happiness, that we cannot have the latter without the former…. Many are drifting about without knowledge, like a ship at sea without compass or anchor; and what is more, they are not interested to learn how to keep their bodies in a healthy condition and prevent disease.” CH, p. 38.

” The digestive organs have an important part to act in our life happiness. God has given us intelligence, that we may learn what we should use as food. Shall we not, as sensible men and women, study whether the things we eat will be in agreement, or whether they will cause trouble?” CD, p. 112.

” The sympathy which exists between the mind and the body is very great. When one is affected, the other responds. The condition of the mind has much to do with the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, under a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it will create a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of God is a healer; and those who are abundant in benefiting others will realize that wondrous blessing in their hearts and lives.” CS, p. 345.

” Health is a treasure. Of all temporal possessions it is the most precious. Wealth, learning, and honour are dearly purchased at the loss of the vigour of health. None of these can secure happiness, if health is lacking.” CTBH, p. 151.

4. IN NATURE

” There is not one family in a hundred who will be improved physically, mentally, or spiritually by residing in the city. Faith, hope, love, happiness, can far better be gained in retired places, where there are fields and hills and trees. Take your children away from the sights and sounds of the city, away from the rattle and din of streetcars and teams, and their minds will become more healthy.” AH, p. 137.

5. IN THE CHURCH

” God’s church is the court of Holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless.” AA, p. 12.

” The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get. Thus they hope to secure happiness and ease, but the fruit of their sowing is misery and death.” AA, p. 339. ” Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another.” AH, p. 15.

” The true disciple will not live to gratify beloved self, but for Christ, and for the good of his little ones. He is to sacrifice his ease, his pleasure, his comfort, his convenience, his will, and his own selfish wishes for Christ’s cause, or never reign with him on his throne.” LS80, p. 246.

” Well does Satan know what heaven is, and what the influence of the angels is. His work is to bring into every family the cruel elements of self-will, harshness, selfishness. Thus he seeks to destroy the happiness of the family. He knows that the spirit governing in the home will be brought into the church.” UL, p. 163.

6. IN LITTLE THINGS

” It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness.” AH, p. 108.
” In many ways, life’s happiness is bound up with faithfulness in common duties.” AH, p. 89.
” Happiness is yours if you will have it; for happiness is composed of little things, as well as of large.” SM, p. 130.

7. IN SERVICE

” Seeking the good of others is the way in which true happiness can be found. Man does not work against his own interest by loving God and his fellow men. The more unselfish his spirit, the happier he is, because he is fulfilling God’s purpose for him.” CS, p. 24.

” To love and to labour is the sum of living… just step out of yourself, and live for and in others. Go out with a brave spirit into the world, and minister to the wants of humanity. Everywhere hands are reaching out to you for help; everywhere bleeding hearts are needing the balm of sympathy and tenderness. The little children want your smile, the old people want some comforting word; and the strongest and the best have their hours of weakness and of need!” HR, July 1, 1868.

” Whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with your might, with a true, honest heart and purpose; and no matter how heavy may be the darkness of the night through which you are walking, the morning will rise, the flowers will blossom, and the birds sing about you.” HR, July 1, 1868.

” Real happiness is found in being good and doing good.” MYP, p. 210.
” If our happiness consists in making others happy, we are happy indeed.” LS80, p. 246.

INDISPENSABLE CONDITIONS TO OBTAIN HAPPINESS

1. MEEKNESS

” There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the happiness of all around us in this life and will shine with undimmed lustre in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit. God has bidden us wear the richest dress upon the soul…. Instead of seeking golden ornaments for the exterior, an earnest effort would be put forth to secure that wisdom which is of more value than fine gold, yea, which is more precious than rubies….” CH, p. 601.

2. UNSELFISHNESS

” We are children of God, mutually dependent upon one another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are upon us. We must all act our part in this life. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of our nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren, and affords us happiness in our efforts to bless others… We cannot be happy while we are wrapped up in our interest for ourselves. We should live in this world to win souls to the Saviour. If we injure others, we injure ourselves also. If we bless others, we also bless ourselves; for the influence of every good deed is reflected upon our own hearts.” GW92, p. 326.

” We should be self-forgetful, ever looking out for opportunities, even in little things, to show gratitude for the favours we have received of others, and watching for opportunities to cheer others and lighten and relieve their sorrows and burdens by acts of tender kindness and little deeds of love. These thoughtful courtesies that, commencing in our families, extend outside the family circle help make up the sum of life’s happiness; and the neglect of these little things makes up the sum of life’s bitterness and sorrow.” AH, p. 428.

” Our happiness will be proportionate to our unselfish works, prompted by divine love.” HL, p. 279.

” In all the teachings of Christ, he sought to impress upon the minds of his hearers that their happiness did not consist in self-gratification and amusements, but in the cultivation and exercise of useful lives in self-denying benevolence, as he was giving them an example in his own life. Idleness is sin in the wealthy as well as in those who are poor.” HR, July 1, p. 1873.

” Our happiness will be proportionate to our unselfish works, prompted by divine love; for in the plan of salvation God has appointed the law of action and reaction, making the work of beneficence in all its branches twice blessed.” HL, p. 279.
” Those who labour hardest to secure their own happiness are miserable. Those who forget self in their interest for others have reflected back upon their own hearts the light and blessings they dispense to them.” HP, p. 325.

3. SIMPLICITY

” True happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works. If men would give less attention to the artificial and would cultivate greater simplicity, they would come far nearer to answering the purpose of God in their creation. Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that God has placed within the reach of all.” AH, p.132.

” True happiness does not consist in the possession of wealth or position, but in the possession of a pure, clean heart, cleansed by obedience to the truth… To every one is given the opportunity to carry out the principles of heaven. The forgiving of injuries, not the avenging of them, is an exhibition of that wisdom which is true goodness.” SD, p. 153.

OBEDIENCE TO GOD EQUAL TO HAPPINESS

” Obedience to God’s Word is our life, our happiness.” CG, p.80.
” In obedience to all the requirements of God there will be peace and happiness unaccompanied with shame or reproaches of conscience.” Con. p 72.

” You need not be surprised if with hammer and chisel God cuts away the sharp corners of your character, until you are prepared to fill the place He has for you. No human being can accomplish this work. Only by God can it be done. And be assured that He will not strike one useless blow. His every blow is struck in love, for your eternal happiness. He knows your infirmities, and works to restore, not to destroy.” CG, p. 168.

” God requires us to yield our own will to His; but He does not ask us to give up anything that it would be for our good to retain. No one can be happy while he devotes his life to selfish gratification. A course of obedience to God is the wisest course for us to pursue; for it brings peace, contentment, and happiness as the sure result.” RH, October 16, 1883.
” True happiness springs from a heart at peace with God.” 2MCP, p. 644.

CHRIST DIED TO FORGE OUR HAPPINESS

” The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable. It is Christ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is a continual wellspring from which the Christian can drink at will and never exhaust the fountain.” CH, p. 631.

” Christ is the fountain of living waters, and happiness and peace drawn from Him will never fail, for He is a well-spring of life.” FW, p. 89.

” HAPPY IS THAT PEOPLE, WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.” Psalm 144:15.

” IF YE BE REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST; HAPPY [ARE YE]; FOR THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD RESTETH UPON YOU…” 1 Peter 4:13.

Teresa Corti