cover image The Secret to True Happiness: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow

The Secret to True Happiness: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow

Joyce Meyer, . . FaithWords, $23.99 (274pp) ISBN 978-0-446-53199-3

There’s nothing new or earth-shattering about Meyer’s latest self-help book for Christians, but naysayers may be won over by her can-do attitude despite the unoriginal content.A bestselling author and Bible teacher with a popular daily television program, Meyer wants readers to be happy—not because they have enjoyable circumstances, perfect health, fat wallets or other enviable externals, but simply because they choose to be happy.Happiness, according to Meyer, is a decision to trust in God’s power, not merely in the power of one’s own positive thinking.(She does, however, emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and surrounding oneself with others who do the same.)In short chapters, she discusses issues like habits, discipline, simplicity, creativity and health.She helpfully distinguishes between being busy and being “fruitful,” urging readers to embrace fruitfulness and productivity.As with her other books, each chapter opens with a joke or light anecdote, then delves a little deeper with biblical examples and stories from Meyer’s life, including her recovery from sexual abuse and her own struggles to be happy.(Apr. 29)