The secret of happiness

by Billy Graham

Paperback, 1985

Status

Available

Call number

226 GRA

Description

Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. We haven't learned the secret Jesus taught in the Beatitudes - that true, lasting happiness simply isn't to be found by seeking it directly. Happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important. And the things that will bring us the satisfaction we long for are not necessarily what the world considers meaningful. Jesus did not have to have an outward stimulus to make Him happy, Billy Graham points out. "He had learned a secret that allowed Him to live above the circumstances of life and fear of the future. He moved with calmness, certainty, and serenity through the most trying circumstances - even death! What was His secret? He gave it to us in the Beautitudes." Presented with Billy Graham's characteristic vigor and simplicity in this landmark book, it is a secret that can transform your life.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member jeaneva
This was Billy Graham's second book (Peace with God came two years earlier.

It uses the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 as the basis of truly living a happy, blessed life. The last chapter, entitled "Steps to Happiness" is wonderful in itself.
LibraryThing member BethanyBible
Happiness. It's what we all long for, what all human beings seek in our jobs, our relationships, our activities. We try so hard to be happy, and all too often we end up empty and unsatisfied. Why? Because, says Billy Graham in this classic work, we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
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Instead of looking for happiness in the temporal pleasures of this world, we need to learn the secret Jesus taught in the astounding set of teachings we call the Beatitudes – that true, lasting happiness is a by-product, a bonus that comes when we seek what is really important. Presented with Dr. Graham's characteristic simplicity, this landmark book teaches us to live above the circumstances of life and rest in the true happiness God wants us to have.
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LibraryThing member SueinCyprus
This book looks at what the Bible means by being 'blessed' (or 'happy', an alternative translation) in the Beatitudes. Billy Graham takes one at a time in separate chapters, expounding on poverty of spirit, persecution, meekness, and so on.

An interesting topic but the presentation is rather
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shallow, with some rather cliched suggestions, and frequent repetition of the basic message of salvation. Billy Graham was, of course, an evangelist; but having written a book for Christian believers it seems a pity to keep preaching in the midst of what could have been quite thought-provoking.

There are some good points made, but the style is rather dated, with far too many exclamation marks and very few anecdotes. Not a bad book as such, but very dry.
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Language

Similar in this library

DDC/MDS

226 GRA

Pages

200

Rating

½ (15 ratings; 3.8)
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