Everybody wants to be happy, yet, few know how to achieve it. The world offers all sorts of enticements that promise happiness but always prove in the end to be shallow, fleeting, and empty.

Can we find happiness in this sinful world? We can, but only by going back to the Source of all happiness: God. Pain, suffering, and unhappiness are the result of our separation from God; only to the degree, then, that we return to Him can we find the happiness that we all long for but that the world itself doesn't offer.

This week we'll look at some biblical principles regarding happiness. We'll also focus, at least for a few days, on the family unit itself, for here is where so much of our happiness or unhappiness originates. The Bible offers us wonderful principles that, if applied, can protect our families from so many things that all but guarantee misery and suffering. And regardless of the past, regardless of the mistakes made that have hurt us or that we have made that have hurt others, God, through His Word, offers us promises that can bring healing and happiness. "They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away" (Isa. 35:10, NIV).  

"This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and true happiness. Now Jesus says, 'Lay it all on Me; I will take your sin, I will give you peace. Destroy no longer your self-respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine, your weakened will I will strengthen; your remorse for sin, I will remove.' Then turn your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, and lay hold upon the hope set before you. God accepts your broken contrite heart. He offers you free pardon. He offers to adopt you into His family with His grace to help your weakness, and the dear Jesus will lead you on step by step, if you will only put your hand in His and let Him guide you."—Ellen G. White, This Day With God, p. 63.

"The children of God may rejoice in all things and at all times. When troubles and difficulties come, believing in the wise providences of God, you may rejoice. You need not wait for a happy flight of feeling, but by faith you may lay hold of the promises, and lift up a hymn of thanksgiving to God. When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness."—Ellen G. White, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Feb. 11, 1890.  

 As a class, talk about this whole idea of happiness. What are your definitions of happiness? Should we expect to be happy all the time? Is there something wrong with our walk with the Lord if we don't feel happy? How can happiness be used as a ploy by Satan to deceive us? At the same time, how can God use unhappiness as a means of reaching people?  

   What do you say to a Christian who admits that he or she is not happy? What counsel would you give that person?  

   As a class, discuss this thought: Can a person in the Lord be happy even while suffering for Christ's sake?  

by ALAGAPPAN KATHAPERUMAL PILLAI

I must admit, I was dubious. I had been asked to conduct evangelistic meetings in a remote area of Sri Lanka, high in the hilly heart of this island nation. The region where we would hold the meetings was remote, without telephone or radio. How would we let people know of the meetings? Besides this, the meetings were scheduled for the rainy season, and we would meet outdoors. Finally, the pastor warned us that this area was home to a band of some twenty wild elephants, which are capable of killing people who get in their way.

My wife and I boarded a bus to take us into the hills. There we met our driver, who would take us to our destination. Along the roadside, our driver pointed to uprooted trees and bushes. "The elephants," he explained. "People in this area fear them and will not come to our meetings if the elephants are nearby. And if you see one, you must run and hide behind a large rock. If an elephant sees you in his path, he'll kill you." I prayed earnestly that God would send the elephants away.

When we arrived at our destination, we were told that the elephants had been seen leaving the area, but we still prayed that they would not come near our meetings and would not keep anyone from coming to the meetings.

Then there was the problem of rain. During the rainy season, we could expect it to rain all day and all night. Again we prayed that God would keep the rain away. The morning of our first meeting dawned rainy. Rain fell until mid-afternoon, then it stopped until the meetings ended. Not once during the meetings did it rain! And not once did we see an elephant! The one hundred or so people who came to the meetings noticed these miracles, and their faith was strengthened.

On the final Sabbath, we planned an all-day celebration. We met near a stream for Sabbath School and worship service, celebrated the baptism of 22 new believers, and had an afternoon praise service. Not once during this time did it rain, not even a drop. But about 7:00 P.M. it began raining and poured all night and most of the next day.

We thank God for keeping the rain and the elephants at bay so that His children could come and listen to God's precious truths without fear.

Your mission offerings help fund such evangelistic efforts and help pay for the Global Mission worker who is following up the interests and nurturing the new believers in this area. Thank God, and thank you.

Principal Contributor
 Jonathan and Kathleen Kuntaraf
Editor
Clifford R. Goldstein
Associate Editor
Lyndelle Brower Chiomenti
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Soraya Homayouni Parish
Lea Alexander Greve

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