As cliche and probably used more than any other phrase in the study of human existence, I am impressed by the misuse of what is the word "Happiness" by the world's use of it. Oprah has a new "favorite thing" that she tells everyone to buy. McDonalds has a new way of "rewarding yourself" with every variation on a grand scale manufactured form of unhealthy yet affordable food like substance. Apple Computers sets out to recreate our lives with a handheld device which is supposed to make our life easier and in turn better. The world of consumption is not slow to remember that we are constantly seeking satisfaction in every way possible and is quick to answer that hunger.
Amos 8:11
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD"
The Lord is also aware of our constant nourishment. In fact, Jesus told us He knows what we need of before we even ask Him in prayer. If God can answer our prayers and give us what we need, why then are we unhappy? Is it simply we don't ask? Are we, as forewarned to not do, asking what we shouldn't? Are we just ignorant to what will make us happy?
The Lord has given us a case by case instruction manual for happiness. To spoil the surprise the answer is to keep the commandments and come unto Christ. But to be a bit more thorough lets examine a few places where happiness is mentioned in the Book of Mormon and the Bible.
Consider the King Benjamin talk and response from the people- in it he is telling them of how they're nothing and worthless in their fallen state and that God is so merciful, wise, and patient toward them even to the point of sending a Savior (Mosiah 4:5-6). He then tells them to repent and humble themselves before God in all the sincerity of their hearts. The people so moved with the Spirit do so and what is the outcome?
Mosiah 4:20- And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.
John 13:17-
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
So, humility, sincerity, diligence in keeping the commandments, and seeking forgiveness from God is the way to happiness. Other examples include 4th Nephi where the people were not lifted up in pride and had the love of God in their hearts and were exceedingly happy.
The Savior knows we want to be happy which is why He showed us the way to live and the way to salvation- His life. The state of those that keep the commandments with full purpose of heart are blessed and happy as the scriptures show. Wickedness never was happiness.
The Adversary is always trying to fill that role of our god by filling our need for happiness with things that cannot satisfy. He strives to make us lovers of ourselves to override the love of God. As any narcissist could testify- its shallow, loveless, lonely, and awful to only care about yourself. This temptation to care about ourselves more than others or to fill our lives with meaningless self satisfaction can only lead to being completely unhappy. If you conquered the world and had everything at your disposal, you'd want to conquer the universe. There is no end to selfishness, it is an unquenchable fire that will torment our souls as long as we give into it.
On the other hand, gratitude gives us peace and love for the moment. Christ said he was living waters which will satisfy us eternally. Giving up our selfish, self aggrandizing, self will make us happy because we then can take on the name of Christ and He will live in us and our joy will be exceedingly great because we'll be at one with God. Atonement.
Humility to God equals happiness. Love for God with all our heart, might, mind and strength equals happiness. Love for others as ourselves equals happiness. Realizing our nothingness is nothing short of difficult but definitely easier to do when we contemplate the grand goodness of God and his matchless power.
We can't be happy unless we do what is right with an eye single to the glory of God.
