What a wealth of promise the hope of happiness holds out to heavy hearts and to those discouraged by problems of lack, illhealth, discords of every nature! And how we rejoice when we first learn in Christian Science that not only may we acquire true happiness, but we may keep it; that it is not elusive or delusive, but is an everpresent reality, available to one and all, because it is bestowed by God, the fount of all good, and is included in His eternal plan for all of His children!
Surely no one would deny that to be serenely happy is a desirable state of consciousness. Yet many believe it is an unattainable boon, forever beyond their grasp. Indeed, it may be said, without danger of contradiction, that every individual desires for himself a measure of joy and peace, of harmony and happiness. One's concepts may and frequently do differ as to what constitutes these qualities or condition of thought. But when we become acquainted with the teachings of Christian Science on this subject and learn that God, good, is the only Mind, thereby eliminating the belief of minds many, we discover that the desire for good, for happiness, is in reality purely a longing for spirituality, an innate yearning for godliness, emanating from our heavenly Father Himself.
Moreover, we learn that since God is infinite and omnipotent Love, He never withholds the fulfillment of a righteous request. All Christians agree that God answers prayer, and on page 1 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker' Eddy tells us, "Desire is prayer." When, therefore, our desires conform to God's gracious purpose, we find our prayers—our holy desires—answered quickly and with scientific certainty. Thus our yearning for happiness is granted in the degree that such longing is Godlike, unselfish, loving, and pure.
