Joy can be hard to find in a world that feels so dark. Elder Patrick Kearon says that “joy in Jesus Christ…changed [his] world,” and invites us to focus on that same joy.
A few months ago, I was reading Mosiah 5 in the Book of Mormon. In it, King Benjamin teaches the people the truths of the gospel. Upon learning these things, the people begin to rejoice. I was struck by the joy the people felt based simply on their knowledge of Jesus Christ. In his talk, “Welcome to the Church of Joy,” Elder Patrick Kearon talks about his own experiences with joy in Jesus Christ.
Elder Kearon stresses how transformative joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was for him. As someone who grew up in the Church, I have always been happy to be a part of it. However, it took Elder Kearon’s outside perspective to show me how blessed I am to have grown up in that environment. The joy that he feels is the joy that I strive for—this joy lasts, no matter our circumstances.
How is this joy possible? By seeking a relationship with Christ. Through this connection, we can be joyful regardless of anything that may be going on in our lives. Having a knowledge of this truth helps us understand that every sadness, trial, and pain we experience has a purpose. Reading scripture stories and hearing others’ testimonies can help us to gain more faith. And as we marvel in the many miracles Christ has performed, “our burdens become lighter through the joy of the Son,” as Elder Kearon promises.
It can be hard to focus on joy during dark times in our lives. However, as Elder Kearon suggests, rather than focusing on our trials or our mistakes, “we can give thanks for the times the Saviour entered into our struggles.” Ask your Savior to be with you in every aspect of your life, and watch closely as you feel an increase of joy.
Read the full talk, “Welcome to the Church of Joy,” to learn more about how Elder Patrick Kearon focuses on the joy of Jesus Christ.
Source: General Conference
—Ellie Taylor, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Find more insights
Take a look at Laura Bushman’s article “Finding Joy: Roses, Forget-Me-Nots, and Golden Tickets ” for more tips on how to find joy in life.
Read “Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ” by Brian K. Taylor to learn more about how Christ helps to bring joy during trials.