I’ve been interested in the concept of happiness lately. I’m not sure why. I feel like a happy person, in general. But there are times when I’m not having a particularly happy time. Today, I was cleaning up. Typcially, this isn’t a big deal, but when my (nearly)three-year-old and my one-year-old are “helping” me, it is very difficult to get anything done.
Then I get a little frustrated.
After I get frustrated with them, I get frustrated with myself – I know better than to get upset with these tiny children. They don’t know any better. I begin to question my abilities as a mother, which then leads to general feelings of weariness. I wonder if I was cut out for righteousness. I don’t want to be righteous just because I love feeling “holier” than others. I want to be righteous because I love my Heavenly Father. I want to be righteous because I know it’s connected with happiness.
Thankfully, Heavenly Father understands me. I read the following scripture:
And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death.
…
Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.” – Doctrine and Covenants 101:29, 36
It is great to have this reminder.
1. Sorrow is an effect of the fall – just as death is. And, the one who saves us from Death: Christ. So, if i want to access a way to end the sorrow in my life, then I must look to the Savior.
2. Fear, a lack of faith, will rob us of happiness and joy. It may even rob us of life. When we are overcome with fear, we give in to the temptations of Satan. We underestimate Christ’s power. Our faith is diminished, and then we cannot experience His Salvation: which brings us joy.
3. Again, Christ = life.
4. Worldliness will not bring a fulness of joy. Worldliness may bring some momentary pleasure. It may even bring some happiness. But it cannot bring a fulness of joy.
5. Christ will fulfill our Joy.
So – when I’m feeling unhappy. I need to remember to look to Christ. He has overcome death – spiritually and physically. He has overcome the natural man. And through Him, I can live with a fulness of joy.
