There Never Was a Happier Time – Alma 50:23

23 But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges.

The period of Nephite history described in this passage was anything but stress-free. The Nephites had just repelled an attack by their enemies, the Lamanites, and they were preparing for another attack. The leader of the Lamanites had sworn to attack them again. Yet Mormon tells us there was never a happier time in their history. Why were they so happy?

1. They were working hard. The idle life is not a happy life. If you want to be happy, you need to have the sense of accomplishment that only comes from diligent pursuit of worthy goals. 
2. They were righteous. Mormon tells us in the prior verses that the Nephites’ happiness at this time was a fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to Lehi that his people would prosper if they kept the commandments. 
3. They were united. Working together with other people toward shared goals is a source of joy. 
4. They were innovating. Even though they faced serious threats, they did not revert to doing things the way they had always done them. Under Moroni’s leadership, they found new ways to defend themselves which proved to be much more effective.

Today, I will follow the Nephites’ example of happy living. I’ll work hard, be obedient to the commandments, collaborate with my teammates, and look for new and better ways to do my work.