2/2/24 – Happiness
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: (Job 5:17) Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (Prov. 3:13) And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness… (Mosiah 2:41) Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. (Alma 41:10)
Blessed is every one that feareth (reverences) the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. (Isa. 128:1-2) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:25-27) … he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Prov. 14:21) … whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. (Prov. 16:20) … he that keepth the law, happy is he. (Prov. 29:18) And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance (happiness) for ever. (Isa. 32:17)
Behold, we count
them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the
end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (compassionate), and of tender
mercy. (James
5:11) And
then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are
received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest,
a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all
care, and sorrow. (Alma
40:12)
Insights: I was surprised that there was not more for me to find with regard to happiness; however, it is challenging to go through thousands of pages of scriptures and find each and ever mention of a particular topic. What I do see here is the formula for happiness.
The Lord will correct you if you begin on the wrong path so that you can make corrections and get back onto the path of happiness. That path consists of keeping the commandments, enduring to the end, and emulate the example set by our Savior, Jesus Christ. The blessings of staying on this path will be found both in this life, and throughout the eternities.
Just because Jesus came to save us does not mean that we will automatically be saved. The law of mercy is only in force when we choose to partake of His Atonement and utilize sincere repentance and turn back to the Lord. Otherwise, He is bound by the law of justice that requires specific consequences for mistakes we make and choices we live.
Ultimately, the
Lord wants us to be happy. He has given us the tools to have that happiness but
it is our responsibility to use those tools.
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