Happiness
Overview
Heavenly Father desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the design of all the blessings He gives us—gospel teachings, commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets, temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). He sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the eternities.
Testifying of God’s “eternal purposes,” the prophet Lehi taught, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:15, 25). Many people try to find happiness and fulfillment in activities that are contrary to the Lord’s commandments. Ignoring God’s plan for them, they reject the only source of real happiness. They give in to the devil, who “seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). Eventually they learn the truth of Alma’s warning to his son Corianton: “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).
Others seek only to have fun in life. With this as their main goal, they allow temporary pleasure to distract them from lasting happiness. They rob themselves of the enduring joys of spiritual growth, service, and hard work.
As we seek to be happy, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. We will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Happiness,” “Joy,” “Abundant Life”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Joy”
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Index to the Triple Combination, “Happiness, Happy, Happier,” “Joy”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
“We Can Find Happiness”
“Moments That Matter Most”
“Finding Happiness”
“How Can I Find Happiness?”
“Come What May, and Love It”
“God Is Our Father”
Tabernacle Choir Videos
“Do What Is Right”
“Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words”
“On This Day of Joy and Gladness”
“Press Forward, Saints”
Learning Resources
General Resources
“The Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 17
“What Is the Purpose of My Life?,” ComeUntoChrist.org
“How Can I Be Happy?,” ComeUntoChrist.org
Church Magazines
Camille Fronk Olson, “Be of Good Cheer: Choosing Happiness,” Ensign, July 2011
David M. Whitchurch, “Walking in Pathways of Happiness,” Ensign, August 2000
Melody McGrath, “The High Way to Happiness,” New Era, June 1996
Jacob de Jager, “The Greatest News of All Times Is That Jesus Lives,” Ensign, May 1986
Cheryl Esplin, “Foundation for Happiness,” Friend, June 2009
Study Manuals
In the News
“The Power of Positive Peer Influence,” Newsroom
“Africa Water Project Brings Happiness,” Newsroom
“Church Statement on 2012 Pew Study on Mormons,” Newsroom
“President Uchtdorf, General Young Women Presidency Speak on Courage and Finding Happiness,” Newsroom
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Happiness,” Lesson Helps for Teaching Children