The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life

by Henry Cloud

Drawing from the latest scientific and psychological research on the quest for happiness, The Law of Happiness reveals that the spiritual truths of the Bible hold the secrets to the happiness we desire. As Dr. Cloud unpacks these universal, eternal principles, he reveals that true happiness is not about circumstances, physical health, financial success, or even about the people in our lives. In other words, it’s not about the factors that are frequently beyond our control. Rather, happiness is found in choosing to become the kind of people God created us to be.

Cloud shows just how happiness is achieved as he sets readers on a pathway of spiritual transformation that connects them with the God of the universe. With these new tools, readers will discover that their relationships, their careers, and their inner selves are infused with the joy they’ve been seeking.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Personal Growth, Christian Non Fiction, Personal Development

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 22, 2010

About the author

Dr. Cloud has written or co-written twenty-five books, including the two million-seller Boundaries. His most recent books are Boundaries for Leaders and Necessary Endings. He has earned three Gold Medallion awards, and was awarded the distinguished Retailers Choice award for God Will Make A Way.

As president of Cloud-Townsend Resources, Dr. Cloud has produced and conducted hundreds of public seminars around the country. He speaks on relationships—marriage, parenting, dating, personal growth, and spirituality. His seminars are often broadcast live to over two thousand venues at a time.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Nonfiction/Personal Development/Christian Living. I liked this one, but it just wasn't reeling me in like I would have liked. My mind kept wandering to other things.

I did like some of the points made and they way the higher road was shown. So 3 stars.

[Lorraine Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful reminder of Gods truth and how it applies to every area of our lives. We have a wonderful loving Heavenly Father and a Savior that has made every secret to abundant life available through His Word and the revelation of the Holy Spirit to understand and apply the Word to our lives.

[John Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone interested in finding the building blocks for a consistently happy existence. It basically delves into the notion that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some solid advice

[marlyn payero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meaningful

I want to thanks Henry for writing this amazing book, after reading it I learn a new perspective and method to engage with God and to serve him and find true happiness by relying on him

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cloud combines good psychology with genuine spiritual values in this simple but wise book that could be helpful for anyone with goodwill (not only for Christians, though he does mention God). It is like Jacques Philippe's Called to Life for beginners, and deserves wider notice than I've seen it given so far.

He starts with the premise: 'We are wired to experience happiness, but we keep hitting the wrong buttons in our efforts to turn our happiness on.'(2) We look for more money, that special someone, that promotion, to lose twenty pounds, to be more beautiful... but those are the wrong buttons.

He explains why those are paths only to 'unsustainable happiness', because they are external, they do not last, and they make us ignore the very things that do have the power to make us happy: behaviours, thoughts and intentional practices - the things you do 'on purpose'.

He dedicates one chapter each to qualities of happy people, including: happy people are givers, they don't wait for 'someday', they pursue goals, fully engage, connect with others, don't compare, don't overgeneralise from one instance to all, are grateful (in all circumstances), forgive, and know themselves. Highly recommended. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a spiritual person, but not a religious one. The subtitle of this book is what caught my eye, along with a recommendation from a friend who is going through some trials and tribulations in their life and who has gotten some help from this book. I do believe there is a gray area in some places that science and religion merge. There is definitely good advice and practices in this book. Mostly I like that we are in charge of our own happiness.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing and eye-opening book! If you've ever felt that there is something missing in your life, or wondered what the secret to true happiness is, then this is definitely the book for you! Every single person needs to read it, it has so many wonderful truths that will change the way you think forever.

[Brandon Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the research in the book along with the simple explanations to be very interesting and useful. As a Christian who has struggled with the concept and pursuit of happiness for years. I am very excited about implementing these ideas into my own life.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book! Easy to read. Material is excellent. At times, it seems he cited studies that are commonly known but not a specific article. Cloud also contends that the Bible and psychology/science agrees. Happy people forgive, have boundaries, are grateful, etc (see table of contents).

Thesis: External circumstances do not have inherent power to make us happy, and this kind of happiness does not last. Instead, Happiness comes from things that are under your control: behaviors, thoughts, intentional practices.

Happy people actively, build deep relationships in community, belong to a support group, participate in bible study, have structured times of getting together with friends/family in nurturing activities, being involved in growth activities (coach, counselor, growth group, mentor), pursuing goals (physical, financial, vocational), serving others with their time/talents, nurturing their spiritual life (prayer, meditation, bible study, retreats) exercise regularly, routine for active, practice gratitude to God and others, pursue activities they love (passions/hobbies), stretch themselves to be all they can be, resolve conflicts and pain for healing in relationships or souls. You are responsible for your own happiness!

“That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. I will give thanks to you in the great assembly.” Psalm 30:12 When we are thankful and express gratitude, we have more energy, better outlook, show more relational capacity, have healthier bodies, Research: Structured gratitude exercises lead to becoming happier people.

[Ron Pendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cloud set out to write a book about happiness from a Christian perspective. He used both biblical truth and secular research to find where they intersect and he came up with 13 principles which can help us stay happy or to use the biblical term have joy in all circumstances. The Name of the book is “The Law of Happiness: How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life”. I highly recommend this book it is a quick easy read. His proposition is that “Humans are wired in such a way that when properly ‘turned on’ they get happier. “The 13 principles are:
1.Happy people are givers
2. Happy people are not lazy about happiness
3.Happy people don’t wait for someday
4. Happy people pursue goals
5. Happy people fully engage
6.Happy people connect
7. Happy people don’t compare themselves
8. Happy people Think Well
9. Happy people are grateful
10. Happy people have boundaries
11. Happy people forgive
12. Happy people have a calling
13. Happy people have faith
The interesting point that Dr. Cloud makes about the research is that happiness is not subject to the whims of our circumstances. The research shows that only 10% of happiness depends on circumstances; Whereas 40% our happiness is based on practices within our control. 50% is due to our natural inherited personality. But the point is that 40% of our attitude is dependent on forces within our control.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this book has a lot to offer as a logical, scientific look at happiness although I do believe all the advice/information presented is also biblically sound. However I felt that some of the Bible verses were being “stretched” to support some of the statements in this book, which detracted from the experience at little.

Overall it was a fast easy read and I’d definitely recommend it. I really could have used this book a couple years ago to be honest. Too bad I had to learn a lot of this the hard way! XD

[Kaylin Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for anyone struggling with the desire to be happy but left wanting. I think a lot of these things I already knew from general personal development books, but this is a great start for everyone. It’s the collision of science and faith, and how God’s commands for us are exactly what lead to our happiness as evidenced by the research. Each chapter declares “happy people are...” and provides so much wonderful information. Definitely check it out if you struggle with contentment!

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice summary of one of my favorite courses from college--positive psychology--and I really like how he connects research in psychology to spirituality, specifically using support from the Bible. It's a fast read, and it's super relevant and applicable while also making you think. I liked it a lot.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, practical book on cultivating and maintaining happiness and joy in your life. Dr. Cloud's advice is biblical and actionable. I heard Dr. Cloud give a presentation on this book at my church in 2013. A great resource, worth a read each New Year's for practical advice on setting new goals for yourself for the coming year.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love all of Dr Cloud’s books. This no exception!In his writings, he applies principles taught and will use his own life in application and that is a great way to learn and change thought patterns. A++++ Love Dr Cloud

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love the approach on the topic of Dr. Cloud that is different from other books in happiness. It includes times of difficulty and hardship. I like the personal anecdotes that give such nice examples.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful for this book as it has revealed to me some issues that I have that have kept me from finding true happiness and has also shown me what I need to work on to become truly happy in life without relying on my circumstances.

[Jenni Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating system
1 star: A waste of time
2 stars: I don’t recommend this book
3 stars: Decent read, but there are many books to read out there
4 stars: I recommend you read it
5 stars: I recommend it, and I will buy it for you.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! God is definitely in this book. I read exactly what I needed when I needed it, just like when I read the Bible. It was amazing!! 10/10 would recommend.

[Andrea Polnaszek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply delightful.

[Shannon Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see my review here:

https://iron-diva.blogspot.com/2019/0...

Thanks.

[Fastener Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read, partially because I have read a few books on happiness and Dr. Cloud referenced them in this book. This would be a good choice for a Christian reading group.

[George Araman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I had lots of aha moments in the last 3 chapters and I now see somethings from a different perspective!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous! It is a guide to living life with God. Living your best life. Lessons for daily living, I enjoyed every line. Practical common sense truths about God

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Leigh Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it so enlightening. Definitely a book for the must read category. So much wisdom in this one book.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those who need a boost to change so that happiness can find them in this life.

[Major Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this book: preachy shrink with some good stories. When he didn't have the data to back up theories; just pray & all will be well - not in my experience, but can't hurt.

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

So straight forward and full of great advice and examples!