The Bible says that people should “see good” for all their hard work. (Eccl. 5:18) Viewing the positive side of things might do much to help you to get more satisfaction out of life.

The Key to Satisfaction in Life

Many people, though unsatisfied with their lives, do nothing about even those situations that they could improve. Some alcoholics, for example, realize the harm that they do to themselves and to their loved ones. But how many change on the basis of these things alone? A key element that could provide sufficient motivation to change is lacking in the lives of such people. What is that?

The sincere desire to please mankind’s Creator. Hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world have found that such a desire has given them the impetus to change their entire course of life. But this desire does not become an impelling force without personal effort. Are you willing to put forth such effort? What would that require?

First of all, a person must study the Bible, which will help him to get acquainted with God’s distinctive personality and His viewpoint on matters. He will learn why there have been sickness and death, why wickedness has been permitted, also concerning the Creator’s purpose to destroy the present corrupt system of things and to provide one government for all mankind, a righteous one that will control from heaven. (Dan. 2:44; Isa. 11:1-5) He will find out about God’s provision to bring back to life on this earth billions of the dead, and that at a time when the earth has been made a paradise.​—Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15.

How does such knowledge affect an honest person? Well, how do you feel when you meet a warm, compassionate, impartial, thoughtful and generous person? Are you not attracted to him with the desire to return in some small way the kindness that he has shown to you? It is the same when people learn of God’s compassionate dealings with mankind and his loving purpose for their everlasting good. Such knowledge motivates them to make changes in their lives. They do this willingly, knowing that the way to show love for God is to “observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”​—1 John 5:3.

People on every continent and from all walks of life have found that love for God prompted by accurate knowledge of his Word has been the key to a satisfying life for them.

Those who consider spiritual things of greater worth than material ones find themselves agreeing with the apostle Paul, who said: “Having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.” (1 Tim. 6:8) Whatever their circumstances, they learn to make the best of them.

They Found Satisfaction in Life

In more than 200 lands throughout the earth today the Bible has helped people to overcome frustrations and to live a life that is truly satisfying. The experience of a Royal Canadian Navy veteran is an example:

“Four years of military experience during World War II changed me from a naïve young volunteer sailor into a politically conscious veteran, eager to struggle on the civilian front for the freedoms and justice for which we had fought​—supposedly.

“A higher education seemed essential to achieve my goal; so off I went to a university. But I soon realized that existing political institutions and economic systems fall painfully short of satisfying man’s need for impartial justice, equality of opportunity, and genuine brotherhood. I felt disillusioned and frustrated.

“Half way through my university education my wife and I began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. At last we started getting answers to our questions. We learned that human rule can never satisfy man’s needs, for ‘it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.’ (Jer. 10:23) Only the heavenly Kingdom government of Jehovah God can administer earth’s affairs justly. Soon God’s kingdom will replace the present corrupt system with a new one, ‘in which righteousness is to dwell.’​—2 Pet. 3:13.

“The God-given hope of a new system of things filled a big gap in our lives. We were thrilled, too, to find in the Christian witnesses of Jehovah an organization that governs itself by the Bible principles that will prevail in that new order. This has satisfied our thirst for justice for the past twenty-three years.

“Further satisfaction came into our lives when we decided to move to South America. Here we enjoy to the full the privilege of searching out and teaching ‘meek ones’ how to live meaningful lives in anticipation of the coming blessings under God’s kingdom.​—Ps. 25:9.

“How thankful we are to have been spared the frustrations suffered by those who strive in vain to straighten out the present system of things!”

Happier with Less

Four years ago a family of eight rearranged their affairs to spend more time in helping others to learn the divine will. This has resulted in much personal satisfaction. The five eldest children now devote their full time to teaching the Word of God to others. What led this family to do this? The mother relates:

“After World War II my husband and I left Holland and moved to Canada seeking financial security. Our goal was to raise a family on a farm there. We viewed farming as the most natural way of life, and felt that a farm would be the best inheritance that we could pass on to our children.

“Things looked promising for a while; but the cost of living continued to go up, and our family grew more rapidly than our bank account. We wondered: Will we ever reach our goal or are we chasing after the wind?

“Then a great change came into our lives. By means of a Bible study with Jehovah’s witnesses we learned that God’s promised new system of things will become a reality within the present generation. This changed our entire outlook on life.

“We came to realize that it was no longer necessary to expend ourselves to build up a sizable material inheritance for our children. In the near future God will see to it that everyone has a comfortable home and sufficient food, along with true peace and security. Now the important thing is to get out and share with our neighbors the wonderful Bible truths that we have learned.

“Though our modest income affords us few of the world’s goods, we are content having enough to eat, sufficient clothing, and a house in which to live. We have personally experienced that ‘there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’​—Acts 20:35.

“No more do I feel bogged down with the innumerable household duties involved in caring for a large family. Our children willingly help with cooking, washing, and other domestic chores. This affords all of us time to share in the all-important activity of helping others to learn ‘the truth that sets people free,’ that they, too, may enjoy a truly satisfying life.”​—John 8:32.