Like so many others, I was in search of happiness. I did not expect to find it where it was—in Christ alone. The more I studied from God’s Word, the more I realized that happiness was to be found in exactly the opposite of what I expected—not in receiving but in giving! Satan tries hard to becloud our minds in understanding this important subject, for which every human being is so hungry and desirous. What a privilege to understand, know, and experience this true happiness!
For this reason, I would like to share a few inspired quotations and Bible verses with others that want to find true happiness. If you will follow the true path to happiness, you shall never be sorry for it!
Those who find wisdom find happiness
“Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.” “She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.” Proverbs 3:13, 18.
What is the way to find true happiness?
“Seeking the good of others is the only way to find true happiness.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 380.
“If the Christian lives a humble, self-sacrificing life, peace and joy in the Lord will be the result. But the greatest happiness experienced will be in doing others good, in making others happy. Such happiness will be lasting.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 161.
“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:15, 17.
“ ‘All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.’ [Matthew 7:12.] The Saviour taught this principle to make mankind happy, not unhappy, for in no other way can happiness come.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 114.
“He that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.” Proverbs 14:21.
Why is it that so many people don’t find happiness?
“Very many who are seeking for happiness will be disappointed in their hopes, because they seek it amiss, and are indulging in sinful tempers and selfish feelings. By neglecting to discharge the little duties and observe the little courtesies of life, they violate the principles on which happiness depends. True happiness is not to be found in self-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, and having the control of all his powers, he cannot be miserable. With its tendrils twined about God, the heart will be full of peace and joy, and the soul will flourish amid unbelief and depravity.” The Signs of the Times, November 11, 1886.
“In many ways, life’s happiness is bound up with faithfulness in common duties.” Education, 216.
“There are many youth who, because they cannot find happiness in plans of their own devising, will not accept it in God’s appointed way. They wonder over their unhappiness, and count their best friends—those who discern their difficulties—their enemies. They cling with tenacious grasp to their impressions and their ideas of just what they must have and what they must do in order to be happy, but they lose sight of the fact that the Lord rules alone, and that He is shaping circumstances.
“God says, ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. . . . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’ [Isaiah 55:8, 9.] Then let finite beings be humble and submissive in their desires, realizing that God uses many influences which it is beyond their power to control. We must take self in hand; we must do our duty faithfully; and in this work peace and rest and happiness will come.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 316.
“When you eat the labor of your hands, you [shall be] happy, and [it shall be] well with you.” Psalm 128:2.
Happiness comes from within, not from outside.
“Our comfortable condition is made by the tone of our feelings within. None can but be happy if they take the happy with them. If we are connected with heaven, the content and peace and happiness of heaven will be ours. Our slights, our neglects, our sorrows and griefs, will not, cannot, depress the heart that is borrowing its strength and serenity from heaven.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, 315.
“Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.” Henry van Dyke, http://www.worldofquotes.com, (February 22, 2004).
“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln, http://home.att.net/~quotesabout/abrahamlincoln.html, (February 22, 2004).
“Do not think to find happiness in selfish amusement. . . . True happiness is found only in the Master’s service. In him who is the Light of the world we shall find comfort and hope. Our happiness comes not from what is around us, but from what is within us; not from what we have, but from what we are.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 23, 1902.
The only Person that can make us happy
“The presence of Christ alone can make men and women happy. All the common waters of life Christ can turn into the wine of heaven. The home then becomes as an Eden of bliss; the family, a beautiful symbol of the family in heaven.” The Adventist Home, 28.
“It is the duty of every married couple studiously to avoid marring the feelings of each other. They should control every look of fretfulness and passion. They should study each other’s happiness in small matters as well as in large, manifesting a tender thoughtfulness in acknowledging kind acts and little courtesies. These small things should not be neglected; for they are just as important to the happiness of man and wife, as food is to sustain physical strength. The father should encourage the wife and mother to lean upon his large affection. Kind, cheerful, encouraging words from him to whom she has entrusted her life-happiness will be more beneficial to her than any medicine; and the cheerful rays of light that such sympathizing words will bring to the heart of the wife and mother, will reflect their own cheering beams upon the heart of the father.” Review and Herald, July 18, 1899.
“Husband and wife are to be faithful to each other so long as life shall last, ever revealing the self-sacrifice that leads to the truest happiness and the highest perfection of character.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 121.
“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.” The Adventist Home, 108.
The only source of happiness
“The reason why some are restless is that they do not go to the only true source of happiness. They are ever trying to find out of Christ that enjoyment which is found alone in Him. In Him are no disappointed hopes. Oh, how is the precious privilege of prayer neglected!” My Life Today, 158.
“Prayer is communion with God, the Fountain of wisdom, the Source of strength, and peace, and happiness.” Testimonies, vol. 7, 42.
“The home of our first parents was to be a pattern for other homes as their children should go forth to occupy the earth. That home, beautified by the hand of God Himself, was not a gorgeous palace. Men, in their pride, delight in magnificent and costly edifices and glory in the works of their own hands; but God placed Adam in a garden. This was his dwelling. The blue heavens were its dome; the earth, with its delicate flowers and carpet of living green, was its floor; and the leafy branches of the goodly trees were its canopy. Its walls were hung with the most magnificent adornings—the handiwork of the great Master Artist. In the surroundings of the holy pair was a lesson for all time—that true happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 49.
“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy [is] he.” Proverbs 16:20.
How is true happiness found?
“It is in a life of service only that true happiness is found. He who lives a useless, selfish life is miserable. He is dissatisfied with himself and with everyone else.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 422.
What religion is necessary for health and happiness?
A graceful, positive attitude, whatever the circumstances of our lives, is a source of health and happiness.
“Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but a doing of works of love and mercy. This religion is necessary to health and happiness.” Ibid., vol. 16, 72.
“Upon obedience depends the life and happiness, health and joy, of men, women, and children. Obedience is for their well-being in this life and in the life to come.” Ibid., vol. 19, 154.
“Happy is he who keeps the law.” “Happy [is] the man who is always reverent.” Proverbs 29:18; 28:14.
“Little expenses must be carefully guarded against. To deny one’s self in little as well as in great things is necessary to prosperity and happiness.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 326.
“Happy [is he] who [has] the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope [is] in the Lord his God.” Psalm 146:5.
“The essence of true religion is a desire to be useful to others, to lighten their burdens and lessen their cares, to do not merely the most pleasing things, but all that needs to be done. It calls for the crucifixion of selfishness. Happiness will come to those who live this religion.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, 54.
“Never will the human heart know happiness until it is submitted to be molded by the Spirit of God.” Review and Herald, February 10, 1903.
What brings us intense happiness?
“As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. . . . Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness.” The Desire of Ages, 331.
Suffering for your eternal happiness
“Oh, why are we so sensitive to trial and reproach, to shame and suffering, when our Lord has given us such an example? Who would wish to enter into the joy of their Lord while they were unwilling to partake of His sufferings? What! the servant unwilling to bear the humility and shame and reproach which the Master bore unselfishly for him! the servant shrinking from a life of humility and sacrifice which is for his own eternal happiness, by which he may finally obtain an exceedingly great, an eternal reward!” Testimonies, vol. 2, 491.
“Behold, happy [is] the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.” Job 5:17.
Our happiness depends on our faith and obedience
“Our future happiness depends on our active faith in the Word of God, including His will.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, 49.
“All your happiness, peace, joy, and success in this life are dependent upon genuine, trusting faith in God. This faith will prompt true obedience to the commandments of God. Your knowledge and faith in God is the strongest restraint from every evil practice, and the motive to all good.” Messages to Young People, 410.
“None are so happy and entirely safe as those who have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 128, 129.
“Do you have faith? Have [it] to yourself before God. Happy [is] he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” Romans 14:22.
“Let us adore Him who is our life, our hope, our eternal happiness.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 142.
“Happy [are] you, O Israel! Who [is] like you, a people saved by the Lord, The shield of your help And the sword of your majesty!” Deuteronomy 33:29.
“God would have you pure and free and happy.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 52.
“Happy [are] the people who are in such a state; Happy [are] the people whose God [is] the Lord! Psalm 144:15.
Pass It On
By Kurt Kaiser
I wish for you, my friend,
This happiness that I’ve found.
You can depend on Him,
It matters not where you’re bound;
I’ll shout it from the mountaintops,
I want my world to know:
The Lord of love has come to me,
I want to pass it on!
http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~walter/VeGe.doc, (February 22, 2004).
Bianca Vaughn, a homemaker and mother, is an English to Romanian language translator. Originally from Romania, she now lives in Hawaii with her husband and son. She may be contacted by telephone at: 808-965-0222.