How Happiness Happens: Finding Lasting Joy in a World of Comparison, Disappointment, and Unmet Expectations

Lucado (Anxious for Nothing), pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, suggests strategies for living a happier life in this hopeful work. Rising rates of depression and suicide, Lucado argues, are the result of a culture obsessed with fortune and accomplishments. To counter this, Lucado suggests readers live with more empathy toward others. To that end, he lays out 10 steps for increasing happiness, beginning with encouraging one another and cultivating patience. Readers are urged to turn away from self-promotion and to focus on others; Lucado also stresses the importance of prayer and attending church regularly to foster community. He counsels readers to accept one another’s differences with an attitude of grace, but to also be bold in speaking the truth of scripture when admonishment is needed. In the end, what’s most important for Lucado is to “love as God loves.” A section with questions for reflection inviting deeper self-inquiry and study is included. With advice deeply rooted in scripture, Lucado’s program for finding for happiness will be excellent for group study. (Sept.)