In an 1831 revelation, God teaches a group of church members newly arrived on the Missouri frontier how to find happiness in their everyday lives.
- He promises them that if they “obey [His] gospel” with “an eye single to [His] glory,” they would “receive for their reward the good things of the earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:1-3).
- He invites them to participate meaningfully in fasting and prayer, which He calls “rejoicing and prayer” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:13-14).
- He further promises that if they live “with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances,” then “the fulness of the earth is yours” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:15-16).
- He explains that the earth is filled with good things, which “are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:19).
- He assures them that “in nothing doth man offend God, … save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:21).
We surely have a lot to be grateful for! Lehi taught his sons, “Men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Elder Carl B. Cook testified, “God wants us to be happy” (“It is Better to Look Up,” General Conference, October 2011). This revelation adds detail to that principle.
Does God want us to savor delicious food? Yes, He does!
Does He want us to enjoy spending time in nature? Undoubtedly!
Does He want us to feel happiness as we worship Him? Absolutely!
Today, I will enjoy the good things of life. I will remember that God created this earth for us and that He wants us to find joy in our daily activities.
Again let me emphasise that this attitude is only possible as I rely on The Lord and His Spirit to make it happen for me. On my own power I am nothing and can never approach this pattern of living. Just saying.
The good news of the gospel is that God wants us to be happy and He is willing to help us be happy! As we strive to gratefully enjoy this beautiful earth He created for us, He helps us overcome the impediments to that enjoyment, many of which are in our own mind and heart. Thank you for reminding us that we can achieve heavenly joy with heavenly help!