"The prophet Lehi taught, 'Men [and women] are, that they might have joy.' (2 Ne 2:25) There are many reasons why peace, joy, and happiness may elude us in this life, including poverty, war, natural disasters, and unexpected setbacks in employment, health, and family relationships.
"But even though we cannot control those external forces that impact our lives here on earth, as we strive to become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can find peace, joy, and happiness despite the worldly troubles that swirl around us.
"...Do the best you can do day after day, and you know it, you will come to realize that your Heavenly Father knows you and that He loves you. And when you know that—really know it—your life will have real purpose and meaning and you will be filled with joy and peace."
- M. Russell Ballard, "The True, Pure, and Simple Gospel of Jesus Christ," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
For at least portions of our lives, most of us have felt what President Ballard describes, as "peace, joy, and happiness may elude us in this life" because of challenges that include, among other things, "poverty, war, natural disasters, and unexpected setbacks in employment, health, and family relationships." At those times, we learn to endure, knowing that there is always hope for a better future. But crucial to our mortal probation is to learn that we can overcome those challenges "as we strive to become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."
We can never do more than this: "the best you can do day after day." Through that level of commitment and faithfulness, we come to feel the love of God and His awareness of our struggles, and find the source of true strength, peace, and joy.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
No comments:
Post a Comment