To grasp the depth and importance of the earthly happiness we experience in our lives, we must understand what it cost Heaven and the price that was paid for us to receive it.
If we reflect on the life and teaching of Jesus, we can conclude that the Lord was a very happy Man Who continually thought about the happiness of those around Him and did everything possible and seemingly impossible for them—everything within His power. Every morning He pleaded for special Power from above so that through His hands and words that Power could do good to people, heal their bodies and souls, and give them the Bread of life.
Although Jesus was an active Worker throughout His entire life, we know most about His final years, when He was anointed by the Holy Spirit for a special ministry to the world. And the world was shaken. Through His life, Christ showed everyone how God regards people, how He loves them, and what He is truly like. In the light of Jesus’ life, we see that He brought happiness everywhere He went. But not everyone wanted to be happy.
If we tear down all the stereotypes and false ideas about a happy life and try to understand what a person truly needs in order to be happy, we will be surprised to discover that we do not need very much. There is a special advantage in simplicity of life, and Christ’s teaching meets every human need and every need of the soul.
Jesus began His ministry by preaching about blessedness, and He will bring the history of our world to its close through events that will reveal how necessary this happiness is for enduring difficult times and the time of trouble. To endure the great tribulation, we will need great happiness—the very happiness that is founded upon the Rock and built of eternal, durable materials with no cracks or openings through which temptations and heresies can enter.
God’s prophets warn us that in the last days life will become very difficult for everyone and that terrible trials will be prepared for God’s people. All whose names are written in the Book of Life, who have the Seal of God, who have obtained the Heavenly goods from the True and Faithful Witness, and who have oil in their lamps will endure those trials. We understand all these things symbolically, but we should examine what these images mean and whether my life has anything to do with what they describe.
The third chapter of Daniel describes the experience of three young men who resolved to remain faithful to God unto death and were not afraid to die while preserving that faithfulness. I believe they were at peace with their choice. When the young men were cast into the fiery furnace, they were happy, because in that trial they met the One Whom they loved without having seen Him, in Whom they trusted, and to Whom they remained faithful unto death. I imagine the joy that came upon those three men after they had said farewell to one another and to life, yet did not perish, but walked in the blazing flames, amazed that they were not burning. Their eyes saw their Savior, Who was the Son of God. Their happiness knew no bounds. When King Nebuchadnezzar called them back to him, they came out as victors. Their faces shone with rejoicing, and they did not hide their joy or fear anyone. But all who were present trembled with fear at the miracle of deliverance they had witnessed.
Something similar will take place during the great tribulation. The oil of happiness will keep the flame burning in the lamp of the soul even during the darkest time in earth’s history. That flame will not go out, and that oil will not run dry, because all these symbols point to an Eternal connection with the eternal Source.
What will those experience who have learned the laws of blessedness, received them into their hearts, tested them in their lives, and chosen to be happy in every trial—trials that will not be long in coming? These people will preserve intact their priceless treasure of a happy spirit, so that during the crisis they may nourish their thoughts and feelings with this oil.
Preparation for the events ahead is taking place now, at this very time, as you read these lessons.
Why has God chosen truth, happiness, and love for the final conflict? The answer is simple. This is precisely the condition of the believing soul to which everyone who studies and embraces God’s will eventually reaches. It is impossible to be unhappy in the presence of God. Only a sinful heart will faint from fear and terror.
Happiness in the Lord is the best indication that all is well between you and God, that you are on the rails of truth, and that you are God’s possession called the Bride of Christ.
The very word “happiness” sounds deeply attractive and desirable to the human ear. It draws attention and persuades the listener of the truth.
What do you think would arouse greater interest today: an invitation to meetings with an obscure title, or an offer to help people find happiness, love, and friendship? Sadly, the enemy of souls has already introduced his own distortions everywhere. Nevertheless, happiness still means that the soul is well. This definition remains stable for now. But whether this “well-being” is eternal or temporary is determined by the source from which it comes.
Another danger of the last days is that although we know from prophecy that a crisis is coming, understand the sequence of events and the signs of the times, and have a good command of the theory, we do not always understand correctly what all this looks like within my own life and heart.
For many years I have studied the sequence of the final events of history. I see everything being fulfilled and know what to expect next, yet the condition of my heart troubles me. Is it truly with God? Is there oil within me? Do I understand God’s plan for my Salvation at this time? What must I personally do? Simply saying, “I will only believe, and I will be saved,” sounds rather presumptuous to me, because I understand that there must be something more within me that will give me firm assurance of Salvation and bring peace to my soul.
The science of love and happiness, the possession of this knowledge and these skills, and an understanding and acceptance of the meaning of the symbols of Salvation bring my heart into harmony with God. They give me confidence that I am building upon the Rock and that my little house of happiness will stand firm in every trial.
When God commanded Noah to build the ark, it was the most absurd-looking structure of its time and provoked ridicule and abuse. Yet that very structure withstood every trial of those days. Today the Lord commands us to build our houses upon the Rock, because a trial will come just as it did in the days of Noah, and everything flimsy or without a foundation will collapse. It will be a spectacular collapse of faith and hope. The time of trouble will become a great tribulation for every superficial Christian. I understand this, and my mission of Salvation is directed first of all toward my own heart. Is it happy in God? Upon what is it founded, and how firmly is it joined to the Foundation? God gives light to the seeking soul; it receives the knowledge it needs and brings the heart into harmony with God. Then peace comes. And in a time of peace, it is very easy to build what is strong and eternal.
Love does not lead the soul into deception or offer it error. It warns of danger, reveals light, and brings present truth. It cares for the purity of the soul in which it has made its home and will give no place to anything evil. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Bible verses for this chapter:
Daniel 3:23–26; 12:1–3; Luke 21:25; Philippians 2:12; 4:19; John 14:1; Matthew 24:9–10, 21–22; 28:18–20; Isaiah 42:13–16; 46:3–4; Genesis 28:15; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 51:10; 91; Hebrews 4:15–16; Revelation 16:15