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I am very frustrated by the way the English word "joy" gets used in gospel discussion and would maybe like to find a different word or just be clearer on what we mean when we say "joy." To me "joy" is not a productive word because it makes lots of people feel they are failing when they are living the gospel teachings the best they know how but are still not feeling "joyful." I know there is a lot of discussion about the difference between "happiness" and "joy" - "joy" meaning more durable happiness -- but there seems to be an implication in the church that "joy" is an unending absence of sorrow or stream of contentment that comes from living the gospel to its fullest. President Nelson's recent talk on joy gives some insight to a possible, better definition of the word saying, "If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?" (emphasis added). In this case he is not really talking about "joy" in the sense of persisting, current contentment but talking about how we should focus on the idea of potential "joy" in the future which thought will give us the strength to endure this life. In the body of his talk, he seems to suggest that joy is not a persistent feeling but a potential, temporary state amidst affliction. I don't think Jesus was "joyful" at the very moment he was bleeding at every pore or having nails put in his hands. I can believe he may have been anticipating great joy in the future and as a result was able to endure, but was he really feeling "persisting contentment" when he called out "why has thou forsaken me?" Jesus, the most perfect of us all, is described by Isaiah as "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Multitudes of prophets -- from Jeremiah to George Albert Smith -- seemingly had moments of immense anguish. Did they still have "joy" even in their despair or did they just have a faith in future joy??? Should we maybe stop using the word "joy" in gospel discussions and instead find words that better describe the satisfaction the gospel might bring?

I get the opportunity to teach/council an Elders Quorum in a mid singles ward (31-45) in Utah. We had noticed a couple of Elders are kind of negative. I caught hold of idea about the Plan of Happiness, and we should be happy. I will share some of the scriptures and talked in the next post. One idea that popped into my mind is that Happiness is a spiritual feeling. I might be the last person on earth that finally realized that. Before I felt like Happiness was more of a physical attitude/state of mind. I think it still is, but I now feel like a happy spirit can lead to a happy attitude.

Hi. I believe the gospel is true and Joseph Smith was instrumental in restoring the priesthood and the kindom of God on the earth. But, I've never felt great joy, even though I know I'm blessed to have the gospel knowledge I have. I get most of my real joy enjoying a warm summers day out in the country. But, that should not be. So, may I ask - what is it about the gospel that makes you really joyful? Or, what should we have joy in? Is this great joy unobtainable without actually being filled with the Holy Ghost? Is feeling of peace a substitute for joy? If one is not joyful, are they missing something, or failing to appreciate something? Thanks. Rich

A little help please. I read a scripture a while back in the Book of Mormon that said something like this. "My greatest joy is to know that my children are steadfast in the gospel." I can't remember who said it or where it was, but I am fairly sure it was in the Book of Mormon. Of course the quote is para-phrased. Let me know if you know of a scripture of this nature. Thanks

It has been a sacred privilege and honor to work with those in our faith as a therapist. In the wonderful words of Elder Bednar, guiding men and women from Bad to Good and Good to Great. I have worked with those who are single and married who are struggling with pornography and sexual issues. Even with those who have felt like there is no hope and have spent 40 years "failing". There is hope, I have seen the changes made. One of these individuals has successfully mastered their porn issues and has felt impressed to share their experience. Please share this message. I have seen changes in those who have spent years working it through with their priesthood leaders and therapists and those who have "given up". Also, spouses of those who struggle, you to can have peace and joy in the midst of your spouses struggles. I offer in person and video conference sessions. Additionally, I will be offering women only support groups. Email me with any questions: [email protected] You can also reach out to one of my clients who has chosen to write about her experience in mastering this difficult issue, here: http://ldswomenstruggletoo.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-place-of-healing-not-hiding.html

It might be considered selfish for a Christian to express happiness—or the more resilient joy. How can a follower of the Jesus who wept rejoice, given the state of the world? Consider the recent news and pictures of ISIS terrorists, dressed in black, with faces covered. In front of them, on their knees, were fully-disclosed Christians--about to be martyred. Everyone in this scene believes in God. Of course, the two groups are different. So, who is right? In Genesis 3 Adam and Eve are in the Garden of Eden—paradise. God gave them free reign, telling them to only abstain from the fruit of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Devil comes as a serpent, and says that if they eat from that tree they shall become like God. Consider this—if you are like God do you need God? Satan’s invitation is to rebellion—independence from God. To take the fruit is to declare, “I know good from evil. I am like God!” Again, who is right? Which group is LIKE God—having decided for themselves what is good and what is evil? Which group is WITH God? Easter is the declaration that God’s promise in Genesis 3 is fulfilled. God told Adam and Eve that from their offspring would come one who would “crush the head of the serpent.” When I submit myself to the Son of God I renounce being LIKE God. Instead I become WITH God. What if I die? I already have. I’ve died to my self-deification, but have become eternally alive to God. That’s why Easter reminds me of my joy.

Many of us are passionate about grappling with "big picture" issues. Whether we discuss current political events, trends in the church/religious world, our the moral state of society, we take a certain satisfaction in being aware, in having intelligent analyses--in knowing what's right and wrong. As Christian believers in the second coming of Jesus, we sometimes retreat to "Well, the LORD must be coming soon..."--especially when our analysis point to society's decay. I wonder if we sometimes carry an unnecessarily sad tune. We may lament today's reality, but we have an inner joy, right? Yet, when we talk with others, do we sometimes fail to communicate that latter part. I'm starting to consider my own young adolescent children. As I share my concerns about things like gay marriage, the efforts of some colleges to de-recognize religious groups (especially Christian ones), etc., am I communicating hopelessness? How can I balance the very real decline I see with the Blessed hope, the sure confidence that I have in Christ?

Hello evryone ! im new on lds.net but not as a member of the church. Im looking for a partner to work or a nice project. Need animator if you know anyone in the field interested by church topics, let me know Anxious to get to know you all through diverse activities or chats Have a good day! Eric