The Secret to Happiness!

Scientists have finally discovered the key to happiness in life! An article printed in Redbook and posted on msn.com (May 7, 2007) by Kristyn Kusek Lewis is titled, "At Last! All the Secrets of Happiness Explained!" Scientists reveal the 12 secrets that keep happy people smiling." The article reports, "...decades of research indicate that true bliss stems from possessing 12 distinct characteristics that enable you to navigate life's rough spots with greater ease and feel content no matter the outcome. The good news: You already have most of these qualities--it's just a matter of tapping into them."

For Christians this report is nothing new. Science has now "discovered" what God revealed to us long ago. All of these twelve attributes are blessings that are granted to anyone who would obey God's instructions for life found in the Bible.

Optimism--"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Love--"Pursue love...." (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Courage--"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:11).

Sense of Choice--"Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15).

Proactivity--"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Security--"…whoever listens to me [the wisdom of God] will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster" (Proverbs 1:33).

Good health-- "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit" (1 Peter 3:10; cf. Deut. 6:2).

Spirituality-- "Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).

Altruism-- "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

Perspective-- "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!" (2 Peter 3:11-13).

Humor-- "A joyful heart is good medicine…" (Proverbs 17:22).

Purpose-- "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Happiness is usually based upon external circumstances. God does not promise that our lives will always be happy. However, the biblical quality of "joy" is an inner contentment and satisfaction with life that is not dependent upon situation or circumstance. Christians really can "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). When we follow God and his will for our lives we find the real secret to a life filled with real joy!