Finding Joy as We Focus on the Saviour

The Saviour desires for us to be joyful: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”²

It is natural to want to share joyful moments with those we love . . . the birth of a child, a beautiful vista while travelling, our successes, spiritual insights, and special occasions.

When Lehi found the fruit that “was most sweet, above all that [he] ever before tasted. . . .

“It filled [his] soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, [he] began to be desirous that [his] family should partake of it also.”³

Lehi later declared to his family, “men are, that they might have joy.”⁴

As a young bishop, in a moment of tenderness, I quietly scanned the congregation and reflected on the challenges faced by the families seated in sacrament meeting. Each family, without exception, faced challenges that included the loss of loved ones, health struggles, the consequences of transgression, addictions and mortal weaknesses, the heartache of watching loved ones struggle, damaged relationships, the general pressures of life and feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. I contemplated, where is the joy?

As I have endured the valleys in my life’s path, I have wondered from time to time, where is this joy and why does it sometimes feel so elusive? My wife, Alithea, and I have discussed many times Lehi’s declaration: “men are, that they might have joy” as we’ve contemplated our personal circumstances and the circumstances of others around us. I have learnt that these challenges are an important part of life’s plan, perhaps even carefully and specifically crafted for you and for me, to teach, to refine and to fortify us. They teach us charity and empathy for others and direct us to the Saviour Jesus Christ.

Challenging circumstances are sometimes brought about by our own doing, sometimes by others and can seem randomly imposed by circumstance. Although tempted to cry “woe is me” or “foul play”, I have come to recognise that each of life’s peaks are accentuated by the contrasting valleys that each of us must go through. The contrast between life’s peaks and valleys provides perspective and many opportunities for personal development.

President Russell M. Nelson observed, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”⁵ He then outlines that joy is found when our focus is on God’s plan of salvation, on Jesus Christ and on His gospel.

I have observed many, within and without the Church, search for joy through personal gratification, attainment of material things (particularly when attempting to outdo the Joneses), worldly recognition, career success, physical achievements and even through dark paths. The outcomes of which often include disappointment, disillusionment, broken families and relationships, loneliness, and distance from God. Interestingly, the happiest people I know, within and without the Church, tend to be those who build positive relationships through serving and lifting others. Remember, we can’t lift ourselves up by pulling others down.

For those who are distanced from our Father in Heaven due to poor personal choices and mistakes, take confidence in Alma the Younger, Enos, Corianton and others. Know that our Father in Heaven is eager to forgive and desires that we, “only let [our] sins trouble [us], with that trouble which shall bring [us] down unto repentance.”⁶

Alma who was “racked with eternal torment”⁷ and wished he “could be banished and become extinct”⁸ turned to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and subsequently declared, “I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

“And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! . . .

“There can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.”⁹

Thankfully, I have been blessed to observe the joy, peace and confidence of very capable and humble people, dear to me, who chose not to scale worldly heights but to align their life’s focus on the Saviour, their families and on spiritual pursuits along the covenant path.

It is my testimony and experience that the Saviour, who “descended below them all”¹⁰ and who suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations [and sicknesses] of every kind”¹¹ is perfectly placed to succour, comfort, lift, heal and empower us in our trials and infirmities.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, “you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.”¹²

The Atonement of Jesus Christ has cleansed, sanctified, healed, and empowered God’s children from the very beginning, those that have heeded His invitation to “Come unto me . . . and I will give you rest”.¹³ And why not rest and joy for you and for me then.

I am grateful for the joy, confidence, eternal perspective and quiet reassurance that comes to me from aligning with our Father in Heaven through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. May we each find joy and rest as we come unto Him.