Finding Joy During a Recession

Most people in the Western world seem rich and increased with goods. Yet, each year, fewer and fewer people consider themselves “very happy.” And with the world dealing with an increasingly bleak economic outlook, depression and frustration are affecting many more. Are you truly happy?

Misplaced

Unfortunately, most people don’t know what real happiness is, or how to receive it. Most people think happiness comes from self-gratification, through the physical comforts, the toys, and the exotic vacations. Others seek after psychological rewards such as being accepted and appreciated. But any joy that comes from physical pleasure is only temporary.

The Truth

There is, however, a formula that leads to true, lasting joy and happiness, as well as physical abundance. “Happiness is something that one can never reach out and take. “It comes only by finding God’s basic inexorable, spiritual law—the way of love, the way of giving, of serving, of doing good. The true basis of happiness is spiritual, not material”. If only more people understood this basic truth. How many people have spent their whole lives in the pursuit of riches, neglecting family, friends and their health? And then—whether rich or not—at the end, die unhappy and alone.

Real Joy and Happiness

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God,” said Jesus Christ. Seek the government of God, the government of the Creator of the universe and everything in it. Seek first His Kingdom, and every other blessing will be added. This is the key to true happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ, in some of His last instructions to His followers before His death, revealed how we can be happy. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:10-11). The only way to experience true happiness is to seek first the Kingdom—and you do that by keeping God’s commandments. That is how you can find true joy, happiness, abundant health and prosperity, even during a recess. (credit: thetrumpet.com)