Happiness is something we desire and long for in our pursuit of life, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Unfortunately, our world is full of distractions and pressures, whereby finding lasting happiness can seem elusive.

In many countries including the Cook Islands, where community, culture, and tradition are central to a unique way of life, some feel that happiness is tied to family, success, or fulfilling societal expectations.

As Christians, we know that true happiness is only found in Jesus.

Today we will explore how true happiness align with God’s priorities for us and how they can be applied to our way of life even here in the Cook Islands.

True happiness begins with a relationship with Jesus. As human beings, we are created to be in communion with God, and without that connection, no amount of worldly success or pleasure will satisfy our deepest longing for joy.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

This passage highlights that when we abide in Christ, we experience the fullness of life, including true happiness.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We live in a culture, where family and community are at the heart of life, and embracing a relationship with Christ allows us to experience a deeper joy beyond cultural or social expectations. Christ-centred happiness is not short-lived, but it is anchored in eternal truth.

Jesus taught that happiness is not found in seeking our own interests but in serving others. You see true happiness comes when we are aligned with God’s purpose for us, which is to love and serve others as Christ did.

Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35 of Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” You see serving others reflects the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

One of my favourite Christian authors says, “The heart that has been transformed by grace will not be content to simply enjoy the blessings of God’s love, but will seek to share it with others” (STC).

In many of our cultures today, the value of community and helping one another is deeply ingrained in our way of life. By actively serving others, whether through church, community activities, or everyday kindness, we experience a unique happiness that reflects Christ’s love.

Serving others brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment that material gain or personal success cannot match.

Many of us feel the pressure to succeed, to live up to expectations, or to achieve personal goals quickly.

True happiness comes when we trust God’s plan for our lives, knowing that His timing and purposes are perfect.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us of God’s plans for our lives: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In many cultures, where life is often centred around family traditions and societal expectations, trusting in God’s unique plan for each of us allows us to navigate challenges with peace.

When we trust God, we can rest in the knowledge that His plans are better than ours, bringing us a deeper, lasting happiness that isn’t tied to the world’s definitions of success.

Happiness, as God intends for us, is not based on external circumstances or achievements, but on a personal relationship with Christ, a heart devoted to serving others, and complete trust in God’s plan.

For many of us, these principles offer a path to true happiness that aligns with the deep values of community, faith, and purpose.

When we focus on Christ and live according to His priorities, we experience a joy that is unshakable and everlasting.