How Can I Find Joy?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Doctrine and Covenants 18 in a lesson titled “The Worth of Souls Is Great.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

There are many different ways to try to measure a person’s worth. Talent, education, wealth, and physical appearance can all affect how we evaluate each other—and ourselves. But in God’s eyes, our worth is a much simpler matter, and it is stated clearly in Doctrine and Covenants 18: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (verse 10). This simple truth explains so much of what God does and why He does it. Why did He instruct Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to establish the Church of Jesus Christ in our day? (see verses 1–5). Because the worth of souls is great. Why does He “command all men everywhere to repent” and send Apostles to preach repentance? (verse 9). Because the worth of souls is great. And why did Jesus Christ suffer “death in the flesh” and “the pain of all men”? (verse 11). Because the worth of souls is great. If even one of these souls chooses to accept the Savior’s gift, He rejoices, for “great is his joy in the soul that repenteth” (verse 13).

The scripture block taught several principles, including the following: (1) “Build up my church” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:1-5), (2) “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13), (3) The Lord rejoices when I repent (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11-16), (4) Joy comes from helping others come unto Christ (Doctrine and Covenants 18:14-16), and (5) I can hear the Lord’s voice in the scriptures (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34-36).

I feel prompted to discuss the fourth principle, “Joy comes from helping others come unto Christ.” I will begin by sharing the scripture block.

14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints calls young men and women as well as older couples to serve missions. The purpose of their missions is to teach people about Jesus Christ and to call them to repentance – or “cry repentance” as stated in verse 14.

Besides serving in the mission field, members of the Church of Jesus Christ “cry repentance” by teaching their children and other family members about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how to access its powers by repenting of sins. Other ways include teaching classes and serving in the organizations of the Church of Jesus Christ. Still other ways include doing family history work and temple work for loved ones on the other side of the veil.

I did not serve in the mission field, but I supported my husband-to-be in his missionary work. I also taught my sons about missionary work and encouraged them to go into the mission field to “cry repentance” to people in the Tempe, Arizona, and in south Salt Lake City. I have taught many classes and ages over my fifty plus years of adulthood. I also do family history work and temple work to give deceased family members and opportunity to choose to repent.

Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke about joy in a talk titled “There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy” and said the following. 

We were created to have joy. It is our intended destiny as children of a loving Heavenly Father. He wants to share His joy with us. The prophet Lehi taught that God’s plan for each of us is that we “might have joy.” Because we live in a fallen world, enduring joy or everlasting joy often seems beyond our reach. Yet in the very next verse, Lehi continues by explaining that “the Messiah [came to] … redeem [us] from the fall.” Redemption, by and through the Savior Jesus Christ, makes joy possible.

The gospel message is a message of hope, of “good tidings of great joy,” and the means whereby all can experience peace and occasions of joy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the life to come.

The joy we speak of is a gift for the faithful, yet it comes with a price. Joy is not cheap or casually given. Rather, it is bought “with the precious blood of [Jesus] Christ.” If we really understood the value of true, godly joy, we would not hesitate to sacrifice any worldly possession or make any necessary life changes to receive it.

How Do We Find Hope and Joy in Jesus Christ?

   My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Moroni 7-9 in a lesson titled “May Christ Lift Thee Up.” Moroni included these chapters in his book, but they are the words of his father, Mormon. Chapter 7 is a powerful talk that Mormon gave to members of the Church during better times. Whatever the source, Moroni had some notes from his father’s talk on faith, hope, and charity. Chapter’s 8 and 9 are letters that Mormon wrote to Moroni. The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours. When these words were written, the Nephite people were turning away from the Savior. Many of them had “lost their love, one towards another” and delighted in “everything save that which is good” (Moroni 9:5, 19). And yet Mormon still found cause for hope, teaching us that hope does not mean ignoring or being naive about the world’s problems. Hope means having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, whose power is greater and more everlasting than these problems. It means “lay[ing] hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19). It means letting the Atonement of Jesus Christ “and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind” (Moroni 9:25).

As in all lessons, this scripture block taught numerous principles: (1) The light of Christ helps me know truth from error (Moroni 7:12-20), (2) Because of Jesus Christ, I can “lay hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:20-48), (3) “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:44-48), (4) Anger leads to sorrow and suffering (Moroni 9:3-5), and (5) I can have hope in Christ regardless of my circumstances (Moroni 9:25-26).

This essay will discuss the last principle, “I can have hope in Christ regardless of my circumstances” as taught in Moroni 9:25-26. We will first look at the scripture verses.

25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen.

After Mormon described the wickedness that he had observed among his people, he told Moroni not to grieve so much that he would be pulled down into depression. He encouraged his son to look to Jesus Christ because He has the power to people up. He also encouraged Moroni to let the attributes of Christ and principles of His gospel “rest in your mind” to give him hope.

In the October 2016 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson spoke on the topic of “Joy and Spiritual Survival.” 

My dear brothers and sisters, today I would like to discuss a principle that is key to our spiritual survival. It is a principle that will only become more important as the tragedies and travesties around us increase….

… Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening – or not happening – in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!

 

Where Can We Find Hope and Joy?

            My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Moroni 7-9 in a lesson titled “May Christ Lift Thee Up.” Moroni included these chapters in his book, but they are the words of his father, Mormon. Chapter 7 is a powerful talk that Mormon gave to members of the Church during better times. Whatever the source, Moroni had some notes from his father’s talk on faith, hope, and charity. Chapter’s 8 and 9 are letters that Mormon wrote to Moroni. The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours. When these words were written, the Nephite people were turning away from the Savior. Many of them had “lost their love, one towards another” and delighted in “everything save that which is good” (Moroni 9:5, 19). And yet Mormon still found cause for hope, teaching us that hope does not mean ignoring or being naive about the world’s problems. Hope means having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, whose power is greater and more everlasting than these problems. It means “lay[ing] hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19). It means letting the Atonement of Jesus Christ “and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind” (Moroni 9:25).

As in all lessons, this scripture block taught numerous principles: (1) The light of Christ helps me know truth from error (Moroni 7:12-20), (2) Because of Jesus Christ, I can “lay hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:20-48), (3) “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:44-48), (4) Anger leads to sorrow and suffering (Moroni 9:3-5), and (5) I can have hope in Christ regardless of my circumstances (Moroni 9:25-26).

This essay will discuss the last principle, “I can have hope in Christ regardless of my circumstances” as taught in Moroni 9:25-26. We will first look at the scripture verses.

25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen.

After Mormon described the wickedness that he had observed among his people, he told Moroni not to grieve so much that he would be pulled down into depression. He encouraged his son to look to Jesus Christ because He has the power to people up. He also encouraged Moroni to let the attributes of Christ and principles of His gospel “rest in your mind” to give him hope.

In the October 2016 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson spoke on the topic of “Joy and Spiritual Survival.” 

My dear brothers and sisters, today I would like to discuss a principle that is key to our spiritual survival. It is a principle that will only become more important as the tragedies and travesties around us increase….

… Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year!

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening – or not happening – in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!

 

Why Should Disciples of Jesus Christ Have Good Cheer?

 My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to 3 Nephi 1-7 in a lesson titled “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer.” The introduction to this lesson reminded me of this quote from Charles Dickens in his A Tale of Two Cities: 

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

A Tale of Two Cities is a story of London and Paris during the French Revolution described by the above quote. The scripture block for this week’s lesson also describes a challenging time. Do you see any connections between the Dickens quote and the introduction to this lesson? 

In some ways, it was an exciting time to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Prophecies were being fulfilled – great signs and miracles among the people indicated that the Savior would soon be born. On the other hand, it was also an anxious time for believers because, in spite of all the miracles, unbelievers insisted that “the time was past” for the Savior to be born (3 Nephi 1:5). These people caused “a great uproar throughout the land” (3 Nephi 1:7) and even set a date to kill all the believers if the sign prophesied by Samuel the Lamanite – a night without darkness – did not appear.

In these difficult circumstances, the prophet Nephi “cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people” (3 Nephi 1:11). The Lord’s response is inspiring to anyone who faces persecution or doubt and needs to know that light will overcome darkness: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; … I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoke by the mouth of my holy prophets” (3 Nephi 1:13).

Today we live in another time of great darkness and great signs, great promises, and great miracles – the last days before the Savior Jesus Christ returns to earth. Just like the ancient Nephites, we can be comforted by following the counsel of Christ: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer…” (3 Nephi 1:13).

There are several principles in this week’s scripture block that I could discuss: “Becoming converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ requires patience and effort” (3 Nephi 1-7); “The Lord will fulfill all His words in His time” (3 Nephi 1:4-21; 5:1-3); “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” (3 Nephi 1:4-15; 5:12-26; 6:10-15; 7:15-26); “When I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, I don’t need to fear” (3 Nephi 2:11-12; 3:1-26).

I feel prompted to discuss this principle: “Because of Jesus Christ, I can ‘be of good cheer’” (3 Nephi 1:1-23). Heavenly Father knows that each of our lives will include moments that are difficult, even frightening. However, His expectation for each of us is that we will experience joy. The Savior used the phrase “be of good cheer” on several occasions.

My first occasion was when a ship holding his disciples was “tossed with waves” and Jesus went to them “walking on the sea.” The disciples were “troubled” when they saw Him, thinking that he was a spirit. He called out to them, saying. “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:24-27).

My second occasion was when Jesus Christ was discussing His death and resurrection. When He finished, He said this: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

My third occasion took place in modern days when Joseph Smith and ten elders were traveling down the Missouri River in canoes. They experienced many dangers on the third day of their trip, and Joseph Smith received this revelation: “And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:36).

My fourth occasion also took place in modern days when the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to establish a storehouse for the poor.

17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him. even an hundred fold, yea, more (Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-19).

My fifth occasion comes from this week’s scripture block about the good and the dreadful things that happened prior to the visit of the Resurrected Jesus Christ to the ancient inhabitants of America. Nephi the prophet cried mightily to the Lord because the non-believers said that the time had passed for the fulfillment of the prophecy, and all the believers would be killed.

12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets (3 Nephi 1:12-13).

My final quote comes from President Russell M. Nelson. This quote comes from a talk by President Nelson at the October 2016 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The title of the talk is “Joy and Spiritual Survival.” At the time, President Nelson was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Today he is the Lord’s prophet living on earth today. 

My dear brothers and sisters, today I would like to discuss a principle that is key to our spiritual survival. It is a principle that will only become more important as the tragedies and travesties around us increase….

Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding,” He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment” and be consecrated to our gain.

How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” “in every thought.” We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.

Joy is power, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”  Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!

And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home – clean and worthy – to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.

We can “be of great cheer” by expressing gratitude for the blessings that we have, keeping the covenants that we make with God, and by focusing on the joy that can be ours.

 

 

What Brings Joy?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Helaman 1-6 in a lesson titled “The Rock of Our Redeemer.” The lesson was introduced with the following information. 

The book of Helaman records both triumphs and tragedies among the Nephites and Lamanites. It begins with “a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites” (Helaman 1:1), and the difficulties keep coming throughout the record. Here we read about political intrigue, bands of robbers, rejection of the prophets, and pride and disbelief throughout the land. But we also find examples like Nephi and Lehi and “the more humble part of the people,” who not only survived but thrived spiritually (Helaman 3:34). How did they do it? How did they stay strong while their civilization began to decline and fall apart? The same way any of us stay strong in the “mighty storm” the devil sends to “beat upon [us]” – by building our lives “upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, … a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

This scripture block teaches numerous principles, but I feel prompted to discuss a principle found in Helaman 3:24-35 “Faith in Christ fills my soul with joy.” In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time of rejoicing when the Church was so blessed that even the leaders were surprised. After reading the following verses of scripture, what do you think led to that joyful state?

24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.

25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.

27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked –

30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

31 And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.

32 And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year; yea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of the judges.

I believe that one reason for the great joy was humility. The people were humble enough to recognize that their blessings were coming from God, and they were grateful for them. However, not all members of the Church continued in joy. What differences do you see between the people described in the following verses? What do you learn from their example?

33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church – not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God –

34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.

35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

One part of the people looked at their blessings and prosperity and became prideful. In their pride, they began to persecute the people who remained humble and to afflict them. However, the people, who stayed humble, fasted, prayed, and grew in faith in Jesus Christ, continued to feel joy and comfort as their hearts were purified and sanctified. They yielded their hearts to Christ, and He purified them and sanctified them. The above scriptures show a phenomenon known by some as the “pride cycle.”

One Come Follow Me podcast discussed the pride cycle and gave me greater insights into something that I have studied for many years. The basic pride cycle is terrestrial in nature. It consists of Prosperity/Righteousness, which leads to the sin of Pride, which leads to greater Sin, which leads to Destruction, which leads to Sorrow, which leads to Humility, which leads to Repentance, which leads to Blessings, which leads back to Prosperity/Righteousness.

However, the podcaster divided the basic pride cycle to give greater understanding. Part of the terrestrial pride cycle is the telestial pride circle: Pride leads to Sin, which leads to Destruction, which leads to Sorrow – which leads to greater Pride in the situation. People in the telestial pride cycle harden their hearts so much that they do not become humble enough to repent and turn to God.

The celestial part of the terrestrial pride circle goes a different way. The people who are Prosperous/Righteous stay Humble and Repentant, which brings greater Blessings and more Prosperity/Righteousness. This type of person rejects Pride with its following problems and goes right to Humility. They recognize that all people are children of God, and we all have a responsibility to help each other.

The people going through the terrestrial pride cycle feel joy part of the time and sorrow part of the time. The people going through the telestial pride cycle feel sorrow all the time, while people going through the celestial cycle feel joy all the time. Whether people feel joy or sorrow depends on the choices they make and the actions they take.

A picture of a pride cycle can be seen at this site. 

 

 

 

Are You Looking for Joy?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to the books of First John, Second John, Third John, and Jude in a lesson titled “God Is Love.” The lesson was preceded by this counsel: “As you read the Epistles of John and Jude, seek inspiration about how you can show your love to God. Record these impressions and act on them.” The lesson was then introduced with the following information. 

When John and Jude wrote their epistles, corrupt doctrine had already started leading many Saints into apostasy. Some false teachers were even questioning whether Jesus Christ had actually appeared “in the flesh” (see, for example, 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 1:7). What could a Church leader do in such a situation? The Apostle John responded by sharing his personal witness of the Savior: “This is the testimony which we give of that which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (Joseph Smith Translation, 1 John 1:1 [in 1 John 1:1, footnote a]. And then John taught about love: God’s love for us and the love we should have for Him and all His children. After all, John was a witness of that, too. He had personally experienced the Savior’s love (see John 13:23; 20:2), and he wanted the Saints to feel that same love. John’s testimony and teachings on love are just as needed today, when faith in Jesus Christ is questioned and false teachings abound. Reading John’s epistles can help us face today’s adversities with courage, for “there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).

These books contain numerous principles, but I feel prompted to write on a principle found in the Sunday School lesson: “Joy comes as we help others ‘walk in truth’” (3 John 1:1-4). John wrote that he had “no greater joy” than hearing that Gaius (one of the people that he called his “children”) was walking in truth. We will start by reading the applicable scripture. 

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:1-4)

The lesson mentioned several scriptures that discusses helping others to walk in truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6); John 4:36; 1 Thessalonians 3:9; Mosiah 4:14-15; Alma 26:11-37; D&C 50:22), but I will share only two of them (Alma 17:1-2 and Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-16).

1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. (Alma 17:1-2)

10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-16)

Elder Ulisses Soares (member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) spoke about the joy of missionary work while speaking at the New Mission Leadership Seminar on June 25, 2019. He shared five principles to help mission leaders and missionaries find joy in the work and establish a culture of joy.

1. Feeling joy increases our desire to share the gospel with others….

Joy is at the heart of God’s plan for the salvation of His children…. As we experience this joy in our service, we and our missionaries can become modern Ammons and be instruments in the Lord’s hands to convert thousands of God’s children….

2. Joy is a principle of power.

The power of joy can influence the lives of many, the same way it did with Ammon and the Lamanite people. [He shared the conversion of Baptiste Prevot, a young French man who converted to the gospel as a foreign exchange student in Canada.] “I felt surrounded by joy, light, and immeasurable love – very similar to what those missionaries reflected in their countenances.” …

3. Our joy can be contagious.

Cultivating an attitude of joy in a mission is a matter of decision – one with long-lasting impact….

The joy we find in the service of the Lord has the power to influence our missionaries during their service and for the rest of their lives…. Being a good example of what we teach is the best teacher….

I testify to you that as we experience and radiate joy in the service of the Lord, we can influence and motivate our missionaries to experience the same. Our joy must be reflected in all of our interactions.

4. “Forget yourself and get lost in this great cause.”

[Attributing the above quote to President Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Soares said:]

I testify to you that by losing ourselves in the Lord’s work, with our eye single to the glory of God, a new light will enter our lives and a renewed joy will fill our hearts. There is no other service in the world that brings more joy in our life than this.”

5. Focusing on Jesus Christ, we can feel joy even in the face of opposition and rejection.

I invite you to help your missionaries incorporate this principle in their hearts now, because life after the mission will bring trials that sometimes feel like more than we can endure…. If missionaries learn to rely upon Jesus Christ during their missions, they will ‘rejoice,’ experience ‘exceeding joy,’ and have the strength to overcome their life challenges.

When was the last time that you rejoiced or felt “exceeding joy”? Ancient and modern-day prophets and apostles teach that we can feel such joy by helping other people to come unto Jesus Christ.

 

Where Can We Find Peace and Joy?

            My Come, Follow Me studies for this week took me to many Old Testament scriptures as well as scriptures in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament scriptures and the Book of Mormon scriptures contained prophecies of the coming Messiah, and the New Testament scriptures contained a record of the fulfillment of those prophecies. It is fitting that we studied about the Atonement of Jesus Christ this week because tomorrow is Easter, the day that all Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

            The lesson was introduced with a reminder that the life of Jesus Christ “is central to all human history” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”).  The introduction continued:

What does that mean? In part, it surely means that the Savior’s life influences the eternal destiny of every human being who has ever lived or will ever live. You might also say that the life and mission of Jesus Christ, culminating in His Resurrection on that first Easter Sunday, connects all of God’s people throughout history: Those who were born before Christ looked forward to Him with faith (see Book of Mormon - Jacob 4:4), and those born after look back on Him with faith. As we read Old Testament accounts and prophecies, we don’t ever see the name Jesus Christ, but we do see the evidence of the ancient believers’ faith in and longing for their Messiah and Redeemer. So we who are invited to remember Him can feel a connection with those who looked forward to Him. For truly Jesus Christ has borne “the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6; italics added), and “in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22; italics added).

            The lesson contains many principles, but the principle upon which I will focus is the simple fact that you and I can find peace and joy through the Savior’s Atonement. Jesus Christ made peace and joy available to us through His atoning sacrifice, and He has offered joy and peace to all who come unto Him throughout time (see Moses 5:9-12). Verse nine tells us the following.

9 And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

            God will not force any of us to do His will because He allows us to use our agency to make choices. If we choose to come unto Him, He will redeem us and make it possible for us to enjoy everlasting joy and peace.

As I started this post, the words of a hymn came to me, so I will share them with my readers. The hymn is “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” with text by Emma Lou Thayne, and music by Joleen G. Meredith.

Verse 1

Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,

I draw myself apart,

Searching my soul?

Verse 2

Where, when my aching grows,

Where, when I languish,

Where, in my need to know, where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

Verse 3

He answers privately,

Reaches my reaching

In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.

Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.

Constant he is and kind,

Love without end.

            Ancient and modern prophets and apostles have taught that we must turn to Jesus Christ for redemption. We celebrate Easter because He overcame death and sin, and He made it possible for each of us to do the same. President Russell M. Nelson taught the following in October 2016 General Conference (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 81-84).

Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind. Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish, and despair almost consumed us. Yet we are here to have joy?

Yes! The answer is a resounding yes! But how is that possible? And what must we do to claim the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for us? …

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. (Italics added.)

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening – or not happening – in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” And we can feel it all year round….

How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” [Hebrews 12:2] “in every thought” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:36. We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.

Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives….

            So, let us focus our lives on Jesus Christ, the Source of joy and peace. I invite you to learn more about Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. He completed His sacrifice that we might have joy. Easter season is a time of celebration because Jesus Christ overcame death and sin and made it possible for us to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for eternity.