"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives...
How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”“in every thought.”We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase...
Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.
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...
If we look to the world and follow its formulas for happiness,we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but they will never experience joy!Joy is a gift for the faithful.29It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ."
--President Russell M. Nelson
Here is the link to this great article by our prophet. It is increasingly appropriate in our unpredictable and tumultuous world:
