How to Be Happy

By President Dallin H. Oaks

First Counselor in the First Presidency

Adapted from “Joy and Mercy,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 73–75; and “Where Will This Lead?” Liahona, May 2019, 60–62.

The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life.

How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41).

Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy.

I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.

Happy Choices

President Oaks taught that joy comes from keeping the commandments. Draw a smiley face next to each good choice and a frowny face next to each poor choice. What’s a good choice you have made?