The Gospel blesses lives. In the Book of Alma, Mormon points out that every man that is cursed brings upon himself his own condemnation. (Alma 3:19) Thomas S. Monson once approvingly quoted the last stanza of Invictus which reads, "It matters not how straight the gate/ How charged with punishment the scroll/ I am the master of my fate/ The captain of my soul." Commenting on this poem President Monson said, "It is a great poem. It places upon the individual the responsibility for what he does with his life." (First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2001, "My Redeemer Lives")
Lehi taught his children,"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27) The prophet Joseph Smith taught “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56).
Alma taught his son "Wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10) In contrast Nephi described their righteous lifestyle as living "after the manner of happiness." (2 Nephi 5:27) Then when the Nephites were most righteous Mormon stated that "surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." (4 Nephi 1:16) Joseph B. Wirthlin testified, "Fully understood and embraced, the gospel of Jesus Christ heals broken hearts, infuses meaning into lives, binds loved ones together with ties that transcend mortality, and brings to life a sublime joy." (The Abundant Life)
Spencer W. Kimball taught how we may achieve happiness when he said, "‘What is the price of happiness?’ One might be surprised at the simplicity of the answer. The treasure house of happiness is unlocked to those who live the gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity and simplicity. Like a mariner without stars, like a traveler without a compass, is the person who moves along through life without a plan. The assurance of supreme happiness, the certainty of a successful life here and of exaltation and eternal life hereafter, come to those who plan to live their lives in complete harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ—and then consistently follow the course they have set” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 259)
In my own life I have seen the joy that the Gospel brings into the lives of individuals and families that choose to live it. It brings peace to lives and helps us to find greater joy in our lives than would ever be possible. I testify that if we fully embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ we will find happiness and our lives will be blessed.
P.S. I found that LDS.org has a section on happiness here. It has links to some great scriptures and talks if anyone is interested.
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