SA41 - You Can Find True Happiness
The Declaration of Independence defines the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental right one has to freely pursue joy and live life in a way that makes them happy, as long as they don't do anything illegal or that violates the rights of others.
Today we see many pursuing this quest to be happy, even going to the extreme point of changing long standing principles that are viewed as obstacles to happiness, with no consideration if the adoption of these new standards places the lives of others in jeopardy. For these ones, the end justifies the means, all in a long and arduous attempt to attain happiness.
Contrary to what many in the world believe, happiness is not a product, but instead a byproduct. The Bible makes it clear that happiness is not an individual pursuit, but instead it is the result of living in accordance with our Creator.
Since Jehovah is “the happy God” (1 Timothy 1:11) we know that he created us to be happy, and therefore, we do not need ideal circumstances in our life to be happy, because “happy is everyone who fears Jehovah, who walks in His ways.” – Psalms 128:1
This article discussed three basic steps that lead to happiness:
- Just as animals need physical food, we must take in spiritual food.
- We must live by Jehovah’s standards by avoiding anything that displeases him.
- Make the worship of Jehovah first in our lives by giving priority to service to him in the way that he approves, “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, 24)
All these steps were wonderfully demonstrated by our 19-year-old brother, Jovidon Bobojonov, from Tajikistan. By refusing to give his allegiance to the military he was convicted and sentenced to a labor camp. Despite the unjust treatment he received, Jovidon employed these three basic steps which maintained his contentment and as a result, he not only gained happiness and freedom, but also by his being abducted, beaten, and imprisoned, he gained - a tested faith.
When under trials, may we lean into taking in spiritual food, holding true to Jehovah’s righteous standards above all others, and giving priority service to our worship to Jehovah. This way we too can maintain our happiness despite difficult challenges.
Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
1 comment
In paragraph 12: We want to bring our life into harmony with Jehovah’s lofty standards. (Ps. 119:1-3) Then with a clear conscience, we can take the next step that leads to real happiness.—Acts 23:1
It’s so refreshing to have a clean conscience before Jehovah, we all got here because of the grace Jehovah has shown and that’s nothing to take lightly.