How to be happy

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Studies have shown that yes, having enough money to meet your needs and those of your family does bring happiness. People living in poverty are generally less happy than those whose needs are met. Being able to pay for your bills and having enough to get by financially will help you succeed in feeling happy.  Having more money than you need, however, will not bring you extra happiness. Money and happiness are not proportional. Someone with enough money to buy a large house and several cars will not necessarily have more happiness than another individual with exactly what they need. There is stress that goes along with having money. Whether you have a little or a lot, you likely know about this stress. There is the stress of knowing you need to spend what you have wisely, as well as the fact that people with ulterior motives are drawn to those who are financially wealthy.
Everyone has a life purpose. There is something about you that makes you a unique gift to the world. If you have not discovered this about yourself yet, your self-esteem will suffer, as will your happiness. There are many questionnaires and books dedicated to discovering your life purpose. Consider investing your time to learn more and find what makes you feel most fulfilled in life. Being happy is not a frivolous desire. It is important to know how you are wired and what it takes to be happy with yourself and your life. You will find this by finding your life's purpose.

 But if you are a unique gift, question arises: who gives the gift?  The Bible says Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.  (James 1:17) Knowing this provides the rationale for this route to happiness, it  comes from God.  It is a happiness that lasts.   In fact, it can even grow stronger in adversity.  Happiness through Jesus is a contentment that fills the soul, even if the eyes are filled with tears.  True happiness is not based on success or failure, wealth or poverty, fame or obscurity.  As we journey with Jesus we will learn that living out our purpose in life brings happiness as a welcome effect.