What is happiness? An essential question that we should all ask ourselves at some point in our life. Many people define happiness as having wealth, but many who have wealth are not happy. Others define happiness as having health, but many people who enjoy health are not happy. Still others define happiness as having family, but many who have a family are not happy. Some define happiness as having objectives and goals, but even after achieving all these, they are not happy. Why is it that today, much more now with the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly common to see people express that they are not happy, feel an emptiness and feel lost? Many people struggle with living a deep sadness, bitter sorrow and great depressions.
The true happiness is not found in having material objects, luxuries or wealth. That happiness is only temporary and false. True happiness is a sublime gift from God. It is a feeling that is rooted in our soul and lasts forever in the hearts of those who receive it. It is perfect and eternal. This happiness from God is complemented with a beautiful virtue: Gratitude.
[‘Good enough’ continues to change]
Gratitude is a virtue in our soul that moves us to never forget what we receive from God. King David expressed, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2, KJV). Gratitude is the first lesson we learn in order to worship God. It is obtained when we are fully conscious, aware, value and number all His benefits, then we become happy. Therefore, when we have this perfect combination, we are happy at all times. Even at times of adversity, pain or sorrow, we are happy.
Let’s look at an example from the Holy Scriptures: the servant of God Job. The story of Job is truly inspiring because after losing his wealth, children and livestock in an instant, he fell to the ground and worshipped God and said “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21, KJV). Job experienced moments of great sadness and pain in his life, however, he had the perfect happiness in his heart and remained faithful to God. The true happiness leads us to be grateful, which is exactly what Job manifested as he worshipped his creator. Thus, even when we may lack moments of joy and gladness, it is possible to live in happiness.
During this current time, it is hard to find moments of joy and gladness. The stress levels seem to be off the charts, the uncertainty of the future is cruel and all the struggles combined make it difficult to be happy. Therefore, we must search to live in peace and happiness. Apostle Paul wrote “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28, KJV).
We must accept the will of God and seek his comfort. The Light of the World Church lives this true happiness every day, whether we are spending time with our family, listening to the daily prayers online or going to our workplace. We express our gratitude to God by taking time every day to unite as one to praise him. Daily prayers are viewed online at TLOTW.org by members in all 60 nations where the church is present. Feel free to join us at any of three prayers a day: 5-9 a.m. and 6 p.m. People can email:lldm.juneauak@gmail.com for more information.
This is the message that the apostle of Jesus Christ, Naason Joaquin Garcia, has been sharing to all humanity. Perfect happiness does exist; it is found and comes from God. The invitation is to seek God and enjoy this sublime gift that He sends to our hearts. The Apostle Naason Joaquin Garcia has also instructed us to continue praying for all government officials, medical staff and all humanity for a quick recovery from this pandemic. May God help us all.
• Joab Cano is a missionary for the Light of the World Church. “Living Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
