In most developed countries people are provided with new TVs and stereos to satisfy their visual and auditory needs, with new means of transportation such as bullet trains or planes to meet their spatial needs; and with new medicines to treat new diseases to keep them live longer and healthier. It seems that science and technology are always doing people a favor of helping mankind live comfortably, conveniently, and happily.  We assume that the longer and healthier I live, the more I’ll enjoy and the happier I’ll become. But is it true or only a myth?

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, “depression is the leading cause of disability in America and worldwide. Approximately 18.8 million Americans are suffering from at any given moment” (Prevalence of Depression). If a person suffers depression, he or she feels sad or down all the time or a long period of time. Depression is a type of mental illness, not a physical disease. A person may live a wealthy life, but still suffers depression as many cases we have read and watch in newspapers or on TV. As a result, happiness is not found in what we possess or how we keep in shape physically, but how well our mental status remains.

 The Beatitudes were delivered by Jesus, which are the real ways to true happiness. One of them we read in Matthew 5:3-10 is that you are blessed (happy) when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right with God (The Message). We’ll receive happiness and joy as long as we’re in line with God.