We are all children of God, which means that He loves us and has a plan for us. Part of our experiences on earth will include trials and hardships that bring unhappiness, but they give us an opportunity to learn and grow. Sometimes we might learn that we are able to do hard things or that our faith is stronger than we imagined. When we trust that God knows what’s best for us, we can find happiness even in hard times.  

When you’re feeling sad or lost, turn to Jesus Christ. Pray. Read His words. In Him and in His teachings, you’ll find happiness, peace, and healing. As Jesus said, “In me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus knows us and our sorrows perfectly. He lived and died for us so that we can have the hope of also overcoming the world and returning to live with Him again. If we will center our lives on Him and His teachings, we will find true, everlasting joy that transcends any hardships.

One way to find happiness in any circumstance is to find things to be grateful for. What if you don’t feel like you have a lot to be grateful for? No matter who you are, expressing gratitude helps put life in perspective. Take a moment to think of even small, simple things for which you can express gratitude. Whatever your circumstances, focusing on the good in life can help you become a happier person. Not only that, but showing gratitude can also help you develop a closer relationship with God when you realize how much He has given you. 

We can’t always choose the things that happen to us, but we can choose how we respond. Cultivating an attitude of optimism is a conscious choice. It’s up to us to choose how we react to trials and upsets. It may not always be easy to face challenges with determination and hope, but the more we do so, the easier it will become. 

When life is hard, it’s natural to want to turn inward. But it can actually be helpful during difficult times to try to look outward and find ways to serve others. Service can help change your attitude and perspective. It gives us the opportunity to focus on the needs of others instead of thinking only of what we lack. J. M. Barrie put it beautifully when he said, “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” (A Window in Thrums [1917], 137).