What Is the Secret of Happiness?

TO BE happy, you must be rich, beautiful and popular. You might think so, if advertisements, films and novels are to be believed.

But, in the long run, do money and great possessions result in real and lasting happiness? Are youth and physical beauty essential for you to be happy? Playful children often seem happy. But what really is the secret of happiness?

Can God Promote Our Happiness?

You may be told that happiness really depends on having a good relationship with God. Yet many people find it difficult to believe in a Supreme Being. They do not see him, do not know him and think that they must merely accept his existence. So they cannot see how God could promote their happiness.

True, because “God is a Spirit” we cannot see him with our eyes. (John 4:24) Yet, is there not much that is invisible although we accept its existence? We enjoy friendship but do not see what we and our friends really feel. We think, but has anyone ever seen thoughts? We are alive, but can we see the life-force?

Everything on earth that is still unspoiled by man bespeaks order, beauty and efficiency. So there must be someone who has carefully considered and designed things, someone with great feeling for form and beauty​—yes, someone who knows what will make us happy. A writer of ancient times made the striking observation that the invisible qualities of God are perceived by the things He has made. Does not a beautiful painting or carving reveal much about the artist responsible for it? Well, the same is true with God. It is possible to “see” him in creation and in everything he does for us.​—Romans 1:20.

What Does God Do for Us?

God can help us to be happy, even though we see only some of his might, wisdom and love in his creative works. In contrast with many worldly rulers, he does not coldly keep a distance from those over whom he rules. Out of love Jehovah God liberally provides his creatures with instruction that can help them to live happy lives. In fact, the Bible is filled with God’s “reminders” that promote happiness.​—Psalm 25:8-10.

Citing certain laws that let us know how God views various actions, Jesus Christ said: “You must not murder, You must not commit adultery, You must not steal, You must not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother, and, You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:18, 19) What do you think the world would be like if such instructions were applied? Surely, if nobody was a murderer, an adulterer, a thief and the like, mankind would be much, much happier.

The Scriptures say: “Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!” (Psalm 144:15) How true! Many have applied God’s counsel, and this has given them the tranquillity and confidence that are indispensable for true happiness. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Let us note what a few of them have to say.

What could make a drug-addicted illegal squatter happy? He had chosen an immoral life, heavy drinking, interest in “pop” festivals and fighting. Of course, he could see that the society he hated was not changed by the things he did. All that remained for him, he felt, was to enjoy himself and do what he pleased. But the parents of the girl he married showed him the way to a new society now developing. He says: “Once married, I was, as it were, forced to see that the life I had led until then could result only in disaster. I now possess the deep-seated realization that following the Bible’s advice can bring about great changes for good in a person’s life. Together with my wife and two children, I serve God as a baptized witness of Jehovah.” This man has found true happiness as a Christian.

Please consider another case. But first ask yourself: How happy would I be if I had just been operated on for cancer, was still receiving radiation treatment and would probably have to undergo a second operation? A certain woman who is going through this traumatic experience once was known throughout her neighborhood as a prostitute. It took a long time before she was able to put into practice all the Scriptural counsel she received. But reliance on God has enabled her to make great changes in her life. In her own village in the Netherlands, where everyone knows of her former reputation, she now goes from house to house in order to declare the “good news” and help others find real happiness. Although this woman has serious health problems, she says: “I have put all my trust in Jehovah God, and he will help me.” She, too, knows real happiness.

The experience of an elderly woman in Amsterdam proves that a person does not lose true happiness in spite of many setbacks in this unhappy world. This woman had been happily married for 57 years, but a few months after becoming a widow she could say: “I am quite happy, feel safe in my house and am not afraid.” What is the secret of her happiness? She says: “If you obey God’s laws, then you are happy.”

Happiness Can Be Yours

So it would seem that inner tranquillity and joy do not depend so much on such circumstances as health, wealth, honor, and so forth. Lasting happiness depends on a good conscience, self-respect, true friends​—and, above all, friendship with God. Why not try to “see” him by looking at his creation with more understanding and especially by making a study of the Bible? Who knows how happy you may be because you take to heart what you read in God’s inspired Word?

But are people who become witnesses of Jehovah always completely happy? To be quite honest, No. As the following article shows, imperfect humans all have problems and need help in coping with them. Yet God’s Word, the Bible, helps sincere Christians to keep walking along the path to endless happiness.

Is There a Way out of Unhappiness?

HOW people can be at odds with themselves! It can happen suddenly, just because of what someone has said or done or due to an unpleasant experience. At such times we can hardly think of anything else. And we find that, seeing no way out of our difficulty, our relationship with God can suffer. We may even think of giving up the fight for the faith. (Jude 3) Our joy wanes and we are engulfed in a spirit of dejection. (Proverbs 18:14) We sincerely desire to remain on the “path of life,” but it seems that the course is becoming too difficult for us.​—Psalm 16:11.

What can be done when our circumstances are so distressing? Must we just keep struggling unhappily? Or is there some way out of unhappiness?

Looking at Ourselves

People differ greatly in their response to problems. So when we are facing difficulties, it is good to look at ourselves honestly. There may be something in us that requires adjustment.​—Psalm 139:23, 24.

Certain people can experience great suffering in silence, and some seem to get over their difficulties much sooner than others do. This could be due to upbringing, personality or state of health. For instance, if an individual has had lack of love and of good training in his youth, he may have a more difficult time in later life.

Those who were deprived of love in early life often are too quick to think that people do not like them and have therefore treated them badly. On the other hand, those who were spoiled with too much attention often expect everything in life to revolve around them, and for that reason their friendships may not last long. For those who have health problems, any injustice and humiliation can be very trialsome. They often have the feeling that they are unable to bear anything more. So if we are inclined to be very sensitive, it is good to think of these factors, especially when we feel that we have fallen in a stream of insurmountable difficulties.

When we are worrying about something, are we also inclined to be withdrawn from those around us? This is a natural reaction, but it should not be allowed to go on very long. Otherwise, the danger exists that, absorbed as we are with our problems, we will begin to find everyone around us troublesome. We may unwisely isolate ourselves, and, as it were, our house may become full of mirrors in which we continually look to see what a difficult time we are having.​—Proverbs 18:1.

The lower our spirits become the more likely we are to place the blame on those around us. If we also make the mistake of attributing wrong motives to them, this can give rise to great tension. How much better not to be unduly suspicious!​—Compare 1 Timothy 6:4.

Are we perhaps oversensitive about the faults of those with whom we associate? Life would be much more pleasant if we were to show patience and understanding. Remember that Jesus Christ said: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Instead of brooding over the way people have treated us, we should pray to Jehovah, asking him to help those who have rebuffed us. After all, are they not doing more harm to themselves than to us? Yes, “for whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.”​—Matthew 6:14; Galatians 6:7.

When we are hard pressed, perhaps we pray to Jehovah in a somewhat childlike way, asking him to make us happy again. We may do this, of course. But can we expect that he will immediately remove every unpleasant thought and distressing memory? Certain things have happened, but wherein lies the greater potential for unhappiness? Is it in remembering what has taken place or in our wrong reaction to it? Is it not our taking of offense, our anger and our self-pity that mostly rob us of our joy and spiritual balance?

We would, therefore, be wise to quell such exhausting feelings as soon as they bubble up in us. Otherwise, we may so whip up our emotions that we will get into an almost hopeless state. If we then call to Jehovah, he will help us. But we cannot expect miracles, for we may have to retrace a wrong path we have taken. So put things right at once, if necessary. Walking about with a bad conscience and an unhappy spirit is much more distressing than admitting mistakes. Let us honestly ‘explore our ways’ and, with renewed energy, determine that we will work in God’s strength to do better.​—Lamentations 3:40-42.

Controlling Our Thoughts

Actually, whether we are truly happy or not depends greatly on us. That is why we need to have our thoughts under control. Otherwise, unpleasant memories, silly fancies or even wicked promptings will soon gain the upper hand. If we find ourselves in an unhappy frame of mind, we might well ask: What was I thinking about just before I suddenly became so downhearted? Of course, we can switch off a bad television program, but wrong thoughts, when there, are not so easily dismissed. However, what a blessing it is that we can pray for God’s help! By means of his holy spirit, or active force, Jehovah will gladly help us to keep our thoughts under control. The psalmist David once said: “When my disquieting thoughts became many inside of me, your own [Jehovah’s] consolations began to fondle my soul.”​—Psalm 94:19.

If we implore Jehovah for help, for whatever reason, we must listen to him when he speaks to us. His infinite wisdom and love are reflected in the Scriptures, and counsel on every situation that we are likely to experience is clearly set forth in the Bible. Hence, our happiness can be restored or made sure if we apply Jehovah’s counsel in life. Jesus said: “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”​—Luke 11:28.

We can give beneficial direction to our thoughts by keeping a particular Bible text in mind for a few hours or even a whole day. Whenever we come across especially comforting or strengthening words in our study of the Bible, we can fix these in mind. Then time after time, when we feel the need, we can repeat these portions of Jehovah’s Word. In this way “the God of all comfort” will aid us, and “the peace of God” will ‘guard our hearts and mental powers.’ Then, despite our problems, we will be able to persevere in his service with joy. Yes, not only should we learn what God thinks about matters but we should also do what he tells us to do.​—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; Philippians 4:6, 7.

Enjoying What God Gives Us

We certainly should listen to God, for he shows us love and gives us “every good gift.” (James 1:17) At times of strain and discouragement, we may forget that there is still much that is enjoyable. Moreover, our heavenly Father desires that we avail ourselves freely of all the good things he provides. And he wants us to be happy, even as the congregator indicated when saying: “The best thing that I myself have seen, which is pretty, is that one should eat and drink and see good for all his hard work . . . For not often will he remember the days of his life, because the true God is preoccupying him with the rejoicing of his heart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20; 9:7-10) We all experience some sorrows, but if we keep our eyes open, we will still see the “sunshine,” even through some “clouds.”

Among our finest gifts from God are our Christian friends. How we long for them when we are going through a difficult time! It is then that we need someone who is willing to listen to us with understanding. We often know what we should do, but we just cannot draw it from our wounded heart. Well, why should we be ashamed to ask a cherished associate in the Christian congregation for a little loving attention? Experienced elders in congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be glad to help us in practical ways and especially by providing aid based on God’s Word.​—James 5:13-16.

Wherever we live on earth we also have many ‘small friends’ all around us. We only need to win their confidence, and a variety of animals and birds are sure to seek us out if we provide a little food for them. How enjoyable it is when they become tame enough to eat out of our hand!

What about children in the neighborhood? They will be glad to call on us if we are kind or generous or let them help with some little job. No, we need not be lonely or unhappy if only we reflect on our blessings and enjoy everything that Jehovah gives us.

It is restful and helps put upbuilding ideas in our minds if we go out in the open air. Brains that get too little oxygen are not likely to promote a relaxed spirit. Many a man has regained his spiritual balance after a long walk. And when we are walking past gardens or in the woods, we should try to comprehend what we see. All too often we walk or sit in the open air staring in front of us and are assailed by all sorts of gloomy thoughts. But every tree, every plant, every animal and even the sky can tell us something about the Creator, if only we will let the beauty of the design, the splendor of the colors and everything we discover have an effect on us. As we look at the starry heavens on fine evenings, words such as these of the psalmist can well up in us: “The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling.” (Psalm 19:1) At such moments all human cares grow dim, and we sense something of God’s grandeur. Then we shall have no difficulty pushing our concerns into the background and sending up words of thanks and praise to our Grand Creator.

Our sleep is another of God’s gifts. At the end of a busy day we may take our rest, fully trusting in God’s protection. This helps us to start the next day with renewed energy. But if we sleep badly, what can we do? We can pray to our heavenly Father, also remembering our fellow believers in such petitions. We can think about his Word and grand promises. (Psalm 77:6; Ephesians 6:17-20) How much better than thinking only about all our problems! We need to fill our mind with many good things of a spiritual sort. Then we might simply say to ourselves, ‘Well, goodnight.’

We Are Not Alone

Of course, we are not the only people with problems. If we were to ask others about their difficulties, we would probably think: Well, it is better to be silent. In fact, we might prefer our own problems to those that plague many others.

As dedicated Christians, we cannot be free of all hardships at this time, for Jesus said his followers would experience persecution. (John 15:20) We are not alone in undergoing what our archenemy, Satan the Devil, may bring upon us, for “the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of [our] brothers in the world.” Most importantly, however, we and our fellow Christian sufferers have divine aid. So let us trust in “the God of all undeserved kindness,” who is with us. And may we look with confidence to the day so near at hand when our tribulations will exist no longer.​—1 Peter 5:6-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.

The difficult time all faithful Christians are now having is soon to end, for we are rapidly approaching a new, happy era. We are on the threshold of “a new heaven and a new earth.” (Revelation 21:1-4) What a cause for happiness!

Jesus Christ taught his followers to ask God prayerfully: “Let your kingdom come.” (Matthew 6:10) So let us really hope in that Kingdom and look to the future with joy. Jesus was able to endure the great shame and agony of the torture stake because, in all his suffering, he kept in mind “the joy that was set before him.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) He was soon to see his heavenly Father again face to face and would be surrounded by all his happy heavenly associates.

In the course of the centuries, Christ’s followers have endured many trials, even facing wild beasts in the Roman arena and the horrors of concentration camps. They have been able to undergo all of this because they have sought to please Jehovah and have kept their eyes on the prize of everlasting life. Jehovah God will not forget them. Neither will he forget us if we are faithful as his worshipers and remain on the “path of life.” So, with our wonderful hope in view, we can cry out joyfully: “You [our God, Jehovah] are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.”​—Psalm 145:16.