The Final Answer to a Happy Life

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13

Happiness is found only in a Christ-centered life.

What is the answer to living a happy life? It seems like such a fleeting emotion that living a life in happiness may seem impossible. A new car makes you happy…for a while. A new home makes you happy… for a while. One point is clear: material possessions do not lead to lasting happiness. Some depend on drugs or alcohol for happiness only to be left with a hollowed-out life. Still others look to people for happiness only to realize the impossibility of pleasing everyone.

So, what is the answer to a happy life? Solomon set out to find the answer to this question. He was the wisest man who ever lived, and he still wondered at how to find happiness. In his quest, he denied himself no pleasure (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2). He indulged in laughter and wine and found it to be folly (v.2-3). He tried building himself great houses and planting vineyards and concluded it was meaningless (v 4-6). He purchased all of life’s fineries and made himself great among the people (v. 8-9). Of all of this, Solomon concluded it was empty and worthless. Solomon finally comes to the end of his wonderings after a fulfilled and happy life at the end of Ecclesiastes 12:13. He states, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This was Solomon’s final conclusion. He had it all and found this to be the essential answer to life.

It is certainly impossible to control all of life’s circumstances. There will be times of grief, of anger, of turmoil. However, much of our happiness or unhappiness is a decision. Happiness can come from many places: from obeying God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), from receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13), from pleasing God (Ecclesiastes 2:26), from serving God (Psalms 144:15), from drawing close to God (Psalms 16:8-9), and from rejoicing in Him (Philippians 4:4). All of these are choices.

Think about it.

Consider how you might increase your happiness. How do you begin your day? Try to start by reading God’s Word. Resist the urge to grumble and complain. Throughput your day, guard your mouth and guard even your own thoughts. Speak to God throughout the day. Be polite and helpful to those around you. Look for opportunities to help. Before the day’s end, be sure to thank God. Try these for one week and weigh the results.

Read about it.

Read more about happiness in Romans 15:13, Ecclesiastes 2:26, Ecclesiastes 9:7, Proverbs 10:28, Psalms 30:5, Psalms 37:4, Psalms 144:15, Psalms 16:8-9, Psalms 126:5, Nehemiah 8:10, and John 15:11.

Pray about it.

Dearest Lord, thank you for each new day that you make. In each new morning, there is opportunity for joy, for peace, for love. You have surely blessed me, and I will consider every day a gift. Please quicken me to weigh my words before they are spoken and monitor my thoughts. Let everything that I am be pleasing to you, which I know leads to my own great happiness. In Jesus name.