p. 6 (374) | HOW TO BE HAPPY

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 15, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 24.

HOW TO BE HAPPY.

1. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess. 5:18. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20. “Give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people.” Ps. 105:1. A spirit of thanksgiving is always a spirit of happiness.

2. “Rejoice evermore.” 1 Thess. 5:16. “Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4. Examples: When certain disciples were beaten by command of Jewish authorities, “they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:40, 41. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, says, “I am filled with comfort; I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.” 2 Cor. 7:4. Sources of joyfulness: “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Ps. 19:8. “Glory ye in His holy name; let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.” Ps. 105:3. A spirit of rejoicing is always a happy spirit.

3. Be patient. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2–4. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36. A truly patient life is a happy life.

“Above all things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:14, 15. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. 12:14. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matt. 7:1, 2; Rom. 2:1. “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he allowed.” Rom. 14:22.

5. Special conditions of happiness are noted in the following scriptures: “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty.” Job 5:17. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Prov. 3:13. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Ps. 111:10. “He that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” Prov. 14:21; James 1:27. “Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” Prov. 16:20. There is no reasonable excuse for an unhappy life.