Have you ever thought, "I'll be happy when ..." or "I'm happy because ..." things are going this way or that way? Probably most everyone has. The trouble is that this approach leaves a person at the mercy of changing conditions and human whims—like a tennis ball being batted back and forth. And sometimes, even when things are going well, there is still an underlying fear of losing what one holds dear.
I've found that life doesn't have to be like this, that there really is a more secure foundation for happiness. And one of the books that has helped me get a better understanding of happiness is the Bible. From it, I've learned that all of us are spiritual, are loved by God, and actually have a right to happiness that is not vulnerable to shifting circumstances.
To me, the best example of someone who knew the source of serenity under all circumstances was Jesus. I like to think that he was a genuinely happy man, even though he faced severe conditions on many occasions. His teachings are meant to impart happiness, although they do include some requirements. On the facing page, you'll see a full list of the Beatitudes that Jesus presented in his Sermon on the Mount. See Matt., chaps. 5-7 . They are a wonderful resource for achieving a more secure foundation for happiness because they help people put their lives on a spiritual basis, one that relates directly to God and His love for everyone.
