Continuation

How can we cultivate greater capacity for happiness?

*By being grateful for the things God has given us, rather than ungrateful for what He has not given us.

Once we laid foundation for happiness by putting God in the center of our lives, we gain daily happiness largely by taking pleasure out of little things in life rather than demanding a succession of big thingS. If only big things makes us happy, we won't have a very happy life.

*Remember: God is the only source of pure happiness and unconditional love.

Imagine what life would be like without food, clothing and shelter. Imagine you had to fear someone kicking the door in and finding you worshipping. Imagine if you lost the freedoms guaranteed in constitution. Imagin if you did not have anyone to love you or anyone to love. Imagine what life would be like if you didn't have little things to brighten your life.

We must learn to:
(i) be aware of the things we like.
(ii) be more appreciative of them

From there our capacity for happiness would increase.

Joy in the life depends on accepting the will of God in our lives and focusing on God's love, what He has done for us' is doing for us and will do for us. Joy depends on enjoying the salvation brought to us in Jesus and knowing all our ultimate needs in life have already been met, and God will see us through the hard times. Joy depends on serving Jesus, telling others about Him, knowing God has chosen to use our feeble efforts to advance His kingdom.

Happiness is a gift to those who follow God's truth.

Not all christians can know happiness. Clearly some non-Christian are happier than some Christians.

The surest road to happiness is living for God, placing our ultimate hope in the next world, and learning to be grateful for the small things that come our way in this world.

That's basically the summary of the first chapter. I'll blog about the 2nd chapter either later night or tomorrow morning :p see you guys soon.