Finding Joy
Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy 2 Nephi 2:25
But how can joy be our purpose when life is full of so much struggle? The answer is Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus Christ, we can find comfort in our sorrows and be strengthened through difficulties. We can feel gratitude for the many beautiful things there are to enjoy on this earth. We can improve relationships with those we love by living the principles He taught in the Bible: compassion, service, forgiveness, and love.
By providing a Savior, God created a path for all His children to find joy.
Jesus Christ is the key to happiness and joy.
When was the last time we paused and asked ourselves, “What is the simplest thing I could do right now that would bring me happiness?”—and then actually did it? Each day, we encounter countless reasons to feel anxious, stressed, or discouraged. Identifying risks and dangers is part of our very nature—woven into our DNA for the survival of the human race. From the beginning of time, humans have scanned their surroundings for threats to ensure safety and survival.
That same instinct, however, can leave us feeling anxious, untrusting, stressed, and overwhelmed in today’s world. Overload feels inevitable when negative information is constantly available to us, every minute of every day, through our smartphones.
The key to happiness is not to do more, but to do less—with intentionality. I invite each of us to ask, “What is the most important thing to me right now?” and then intentionally do one simple thing that aligns with that need.
Jesus Christ is our friend, and He can help us navigate a life filled with overwhelming choices and never-ending demands. Through Him, we can find clarity about what matters most and gain the courage and faith to follow that path. Through His tender mercies, we can find strength to keep moving forward when things fall apart, and faith to trust that with Christ there is real joy and peace—even when it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once taught:
Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.
May we have the faith to wait upon the Lord and trust His wisdom and timing as we seek the blessings we desire. Waiting does not mean delayed joy. We can experience joy right now, regardless of our circumstances. Jesus Christ is the key to our joy. He helps us recognize and appreciate the many reasons we already have to feel joy.