Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #4 — Source Of Happiness

Picture: Counsel #4 — Source Of Happiness CSL 70.1

Many people try desperately to find happiness apart from God—through power, beauty, wealth, adventure, sensual pleasure, acquiring “stuff” and even through achievements and crowded agendas! However, the pursuit of happiness to gratify self can never bring lasting joy. Yes, there may be a momentary euphoria and a temporary “high,” but never the enduring serenity and happiness that stems from doing right. CSL 70.2

Every day as we commit ourselves to Jesus and ask for strength to live like He did, He will open a fountain of pleasure and joy that we could never know through partying and seeking our own self-centered pleasure. We have something great and glorious to live for! Those who make God first, last, and best are guaranteed to be the happiest people in the world.^[70] CSL 70.3

“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Psalms 144:15 NKJV CSL 70.4

“Love to God purifies and ennobles every taste and every desire, intensifies every affection, and brightens every worthy pleasure. It enables men [and women] to appreciate and enjoy all that is true, and good, and beautiful.” Ellen White in The Review and Herald, July 11, 1882 CSL 70.5

Reflect: In what ways are you robbing yourself of the happiness with which God wants to bless you if you’d make Him “first, last, and best?” CSL 70.6