Elder Quentin L. Cook on finding peace amid the commotion of the world

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"The world literally seems to be in commotion. (See D&C 45:26; 88:91.) There is a level of contention that is unprecedented. Peace of mind and feelings of security can seem elusive and even unobtainable. My message to you this evening is that we should not have fear even in a dangerous and troubled world. The scriptures assure us that we can have complete joy because of the Savior. (See D&C 101:35–38.)

"There are certain wonderful events that many of you have etched in your hearts and minds in a very positive way. You can remember every detail of the event. Examples might include opening the envelope that contains a mission call, a sealing to a spouse in the temple, the recognition that the Holy Ghost has witnessed to your soul the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. These are the kinds of cherished events that bring not only a rewarding but a lasting joy. It is interesting that individual events that in any way relate to the Savior are usually the ones that bring the greatest joy....

"You need not be afraid, despite the dangers and challenges you will face. You will be blessed and protected when you seek righteous, worthwhile goals. Plan and work with grit and determination, avoid inappropriate use of social media and the Internet, and rely and focus on faith, repentance, saving ordinances, and the Savior’s atoning sacrifice as you endure to the end. Focusing on the temple will help you achieve these goals."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Fear Not... in Me Your Joy Is Full," Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, September 11, 2016, Washington D.C. Stake Center
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Are there reasons to be afraid in our world today? With all the contention, commotion, and uncertainty we see around us, should we be worried or fear for our future our opportunities, or our safety? In this address to the young adults of the Church, Elder Cook reassures them that they can replace their fear with joy, "even in a dangerous and troubled world," if they are grounded in the Savior.

One good suggestion is to focus on the positive, strengthening events in life—to remember and to dwell on those. When those memories are vivid and alive, they can help bring "not only a rewarding but a lasting joy" to us in times when we need strength. And the greatest joy comes from events most closely connected to the Savior.

Throughout this message, Elder Cook reassures us that we don't need to fear, regardless of "the dangers and challenges" that we encounter in life, as long as we're seeking righteous goals and focusing on "faith, repentance, saving ordinances, and the Savior’s atoning sacrifice." And he adds that a focus on the temple will help us keep all the other things in their proper places!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)