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The Science of Happiness

The Science of Happiness

The Bible says:

The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy (Psalm 19:8 GNT).

Happy are those whose lives are faultless, who live according to the law of the LORD (Psalm 119:1 GNT).

God’s laws are the protocols upon which our Creator built life and health to operate, including the laws of physics, the laws of health, and the moral laws. The Bible is telling us that happiness is possible only when we live in harmony with how our Creator built life to function, in harmony with the laws of health.

Happiness is the byproduct of healthiness in all domains—physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual. When we are physically ill, we are not happy; mental or emotional illness—not happy; relationship conflict—not happy; spiritual sickness (guilt, shame, condemnation)—not happy.

Viktor Frankl—Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor—wrote:

Don’t aim at success—the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen, and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it. I want you to listen to what your conscience commands you to do and go on to carry it out to the best of your knowledge. Then you will live to see that in the long run—in the long run, I say—success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think of it (Man’s Search for Meaning, pp. 16, 17, my emphasis).

Many people are unhappy because they are unhealthy physically, psychologically, relationally, or spiritually, and sadly, they will substitute pleasure-seeking for happiness in an attempt to “feel” better, but almost all such pleasure-seeking violates the laws of health in some way (comfort eating, alcohol, drugs, shopping, gambling, porn, comfort in fleeting liaisons, etc.) and, thus, they only get worse.

Again, happiness is the byproduct of healthiness in all domains, and healthiness is experienced only when we are in harmony with God’s design laws for life—the protocols upon which the Creator God has built reality to operate. When we break the laws of health, the resulting sickness, disease, and suffering that occur undermines our happiness. This is why the Bible repeatedly tells us, “Happy are those who keep God’s law!” (Proverbs 29:18 GNT).

While we cannot choose to “be happy” or seek to directly obtain happiness, we can choose to be healthy, choosing to live in harmony with all aspects of God’s design laws for life. We can choose to surrender our hearts to Jesus and be reborn with new motives of love—love for God, for truth, and for others. We can choose to pursue a life of truth lived with motives to bless and love—because the truth is always the healthy choice. As we choose healthiness, the byproduct is ever-increasing happiness. And science documents the positive outcomes and connection between God’s design laws and our health and happiness.

  • In a six-week study, researchers randomized participants into a control group and two active groups. One active group was to “count your blessings” once a week on Sundays, while the other active group was to “count your blessings” three times per week—on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This was done by making lists of things they were thankful for. The researchers found that:
    • Those who counted their blessings once a week had improvement in gratitude and happiness, while both the controls and those who counted their blessings three times per week had reductions in both gratitude and happiness.
    • Once a week counting of blessings caused actual thankfulness and appreciation, while doing so three times a week caused a desensitization in which the list-making became rote, a chore, proforma, routine, and perhaps even a burden, thereby reducing happiness (Lyubomirsky, S et al, “Pursuing happiness, the architecture of sustainable change.” Review of General Psychology. 2005;9(2)111–131).
  • In a four-week study, researchers separated participants into a control group and two active intervention groups. One active group was to do acts of kindness for others, while the other active group was to do acts of kindness for self. At the end of the study, and also at a later follow-up point, researchers found:
    • Those who did acts of kindness for others were happier than the control group, but those who did acts of kindness for self were no different from the control group (Nelson, SK et al., Emotions. 2016;16(6):850–861).
    • Acts of kindness for others activate brain pathways that calm the body’s stress cascade and result in better physical and mental health. Acts of kindness for self does not have this same benefit.
  • In another four-week study, researchers wanted to see if acts of kindness did more than just bring an emotional state of happiness. Are there physical benefits to acts of kindness? The researchers separated participants into four groups—controls, those who were to do acts of kindness for others, those who were to do acts of kindness for the world (like picking up trash along the road), and those who did acts of kindness for self. They then examined gene expression in white blood cells to measure whether there were differences in immunity. The researchers found that:
    • Compared to controls, those who performed acts of kindness for others had reduced inflammation and improved viral fighting ability. In other words, gene expression changed, epigenetically, to improve health as a result of these acts.
    • But those who did acts of kindness toward the world or for self did not differ from controls (Nelson-Coffey, SK, et al., Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2017;81:8–13).
  • Researchers have also found that in some situations, acts of kindness or happiness interventions could backfire and make a person less happy. Such as:
    • When the motivation for doing them is self-focused, such as doing acts of kindness so others will like you more or you will get advancement or praise, etc.—which is an act of selfishness instead of love and, thus, in violation of God’s design law—not surprisingly, they don’t result in improved spiritual or emotional health and, thus, no improvement in happiness. To gain the benefit the action must originate from a heart motive that intends to benefit another, i.e., from love; it is not the act itself!
    • When they become a burden, rote, work, rather than actual love.
    • When they contradict one’s heart, beliefs, or current mindset:
      • Such as a person who is in clinical depression making a thankfulness list; this can actually cause the person to feel guilt or feel like a burden to others as they think about how much others have done for them.
      • Cultural contradictions—in some Eastern cultures, the act of giving thanks to one’s parents for a good job in raising their children is viewed as an insult, i.e., as if they wouldn’t have fulfilled their duty to their family.
      • Actions that go against a person’s baseline personality, such as an introverted person being directed to give thanks in front of a group.

Happiness is possible only in harmony with God’s design laws for life, and research has thus far demonstrated that the greatest action one can take that consistently brings increased happiness is living altruistically, loving others and engaging in acts of kindness for others.

 

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I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA