Discover 7 Godly Principles for True Happiness with God
Unlock Happiness with These Divine Principles
And find out Why God Is the True Source of Your Peace
By Michael B. Nhem, Founder of Map to Happiness
At Map to Happiness, our mission is to guide you toward true happiness through faith in God. Decades ago, as a young man searching for meaning, I discovered a formula for lasting joy—not through wealth or success, but through a deep relationship with our Heavenly Father. My wife and I raised our four children with these principles, and even during our toughest year in 2017, we found peace and happiness because our joy was rooted in God. As Psalm 16:11 (Bible) declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Additionally, 2 Nephi 2:25 (Book of Mormon) teaches, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
I’m Michael B. Nhem, a registered Polysomnographic Technologist who has worked in sleep medicine for 3 decades. Through trials, daily experiences, and faith, my family perfected a roadmap to happiness. Social scientist Arthur C. Brooks identified four happiness factors—faith, family, work, and friends—that align with our principles. Science confirms what we’ve experienced: happiness rooted in God is lasting. Let’s explore these 7 principles to help you and your family find true happiness through faith.
True Happiness vs. Temporary Happiness
Many researchers focus on the causes of happiness, like external achievements, which can fade with adversity. Our formula is different—it’s based on the source of happiness: God. While short-term happiness can be disrupted by events like a family loss, true happiness endures because it’s anchored in faith. In 2017, despite our family’s challenges, we remained joyful because our happiness came from God, not circumstances. As John 16:22 (Bible) promises, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” Similarly, Mosiah 2:41 (Book of Mormon) states, “And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.”
How Do You Know You’re Truly Happy?
For me, true happiness means waking up with peace in my heart, feeling grateful for every blessing, and trusting God’s plan. I love my job, strive to serve others, and aim to be a peacemaker—because happiness through God overflows into kindness and generosity. Scientific studies, like those from the Journal of Positive Psychology (2019), show that people with strong spiritual beliefs report higher life satisfaction, even during hardship, due to a sense of purpose and community.
The 7 Principles of True Happiness Through Faith in God
Here are the 7 principles that brought my family lasting joy. Try them with your family, and reflect on how God’s love can transform your life.
1. Put God First as the Source of Happiness
True happiness begins with God. Without purpose, chasing wealth or success leaves us empty. Prioritizing God fills us with meaning. Matthew 6:33 (Bible) instructs, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The Book of Mormon echoes this in 3 Nephi 13:33, “Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” By centering our lives on God, we tap into a wellspring of love and joy.
Science Insight: A 2021 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that regular spiritual practices (e.g., prayer, worship) increase happiness by 20% due to enhanced resilience.
Reflection: How can you make God your top priority this week? Share your thoughts in our A/Q section.
2. Believe Families Can Be Together Forever
An eternal family perspective brings hope. Faith in Jesus Christ’s promise of eternal families inspires love and forgiveness. During a challenging marriage moment, I recalled our “time and all eternity” covenant in the Seattle Temple. This view helped us reconcile, and after 30 years, we’re happier than ever. Ephesians 4:32 (Bible) encourages, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Doctrine and Covenants 130:2 (LDS Quad) adds, “And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory.”
Science Insight: The American Psychological Association (2020) found that strong family bonds, reinforced by shared beliefs, reduce stress and boost happiness by 15%.
Reflection: How does an eternal perspective change how you treat your loved ones?
2. Pursue Education and Wisdom Through Faith
Education lifts us from poverty and equips us to serve God. True wisdom comes from studying scripture and the best books. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 (LDS Quad) advises, “Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” Proverbs 4:7 (Bible) complements this, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Science Insight: A 2018 Harvard study found that lifelong learning, including spiritual education, increases life satisfaction by 25%.
Reflection: What “best books” can you study to grow closer to God?
3. Embrace Good Work Ethics
Work is a divine gift—God created the earth (Genesis 2:2, Bible). When we work hard and love our labor, we find fulfillment. I’ve loved my sleep medicine job for decades because it serves others. Colossians 3:23 (Bible) instructs, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Doctrine and Covenants 42:42 (LDS Quad) adds, “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garment of the laborer.”
Science Insight: The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (2022) found that meaningful work increases job satisfaction and happiness by 30%.
Reflection: How can you serve God through your daily work?
4. Practice Generosity
Generosity reflects God’s love. John 3:16 (Bible) declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We’ve taught our children tithing, and Malachi 3:10 (Bible) promises, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing.” Our family has been blessed through this.
Science Insight: A 2020 Nature Communications study found that generosity boosts dopamine levels, increasing happiness for up to 48 hours.
Reflection: What generous act can you do this week to honor God?
5. Serve Others with Love
Serving others brings joy to all involved. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15, Bible), setting an example. My family loved serving with missionaries, and even my children found joy helping a co-worker move. Mosiah 2:17 (Book of Mormon) teaches, “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom—that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
Science Insight: The Journal of Social Psychology (2019) found that serving others increases happiness by 22% through social connections.
Reflection: Who can you serve today to share God’s love?
6. Cultivate Gratitude for God’s Blessings
Gratitude keeps us focused on God’s goodness. Each morning, I thank Him for my family and job, filling me with peace. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Bible) says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 (LDS Quad) adds, “And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.”
Science Insight: A 2023 Emotion study found that daily gratitude practices increase happiness by 15% and reduce depression by 10%.
Reflection: What are three things you’re grateful for today? Share in our blog comments.
Conclusion
These 7 principles have guided my family to true happiness through faith in God. They’re a lifelong journey rooted in our Heavenly Father’s love. As Philippians 4:7 (Bible) promises, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Doctrine and Covenants 6:23 (LDS Quad) echoes, “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” Explore more on our Videos page or share your story in our Submit an Article section. May God bless you with true happiness!
Michael B. Nhem is the founder of Map to Happiness and a Polysomnographic Technologist dedicated to helping others find joy through faith.