youth playing outside

August 14

How Can I Find Joy in Following the Savior?

Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How are we finding joy in following Jesus Christ?

• Care for those in need. Who in our ward or community needs our help? How can we help them?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we help each other prepare for missionary service?

• Unite families for eternity. How can we contribute to our ward’s efforts to do family history and temple work?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

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Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

What brings you joy? People might say they find joy in time with friends and family, a favorite hobby, or even just a day without trials. President Russell M. Nelson taught: “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him” (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82). Many of the Psalms echo this same message: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

Think of some of the challenges that members of your class or quorum may be facing. How will you help them understand that true joy comes from exercising faith in the Savior—even during hard times? Ponder this question as you prepare to teach. Look for related passages you can share with your class or quorum in the Psalms or in President Nelson’s message “Joy and Spiritual Survival.”

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True joy comes from exercising faith in the Savior, even during hard times.

Learn Together

Consider inviting members of your class or quorum to review a few of the following: Psalms 1; 8; 19; 23; 27. What do we learn from these Psalms about what brings us joy? Then you could use one or more of the following activities to help those you teach better understand that true joy comes from following Jesus Christ.

• We all want to find joy, but we need to understand what brings true joy and what actually leads to sorrow. Ask the youth to share some of the things that bring them joy and why these things do. Write on the board “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Then invite the youth, as individuals or small groups, to review one or more of the scriptures in “Supporting Resources” and list what they find that leads to joy. You might also show the video “We Can Find Happiness” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What are some ways people try to find joy that actually lead to sorrow? How has the Savior brought us joy?

• We all know people who face challenges even though they are trying their best to live the gospel. How can you help those you teach understand that we can find joy even when our lives are challenging? You could ask them to review President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Joy and Spiritual Survival” or President Steven J. Lund’s message “Finding Joy in Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 35–37). What examples do we find of people who found joy in Christ despite their challenges? What do we learn from these experiences? What experiences can we share?

• All of us are susceptible to feelings of anxiety and depression as we deal with the challenges of life. For some, these feelings are a lifelong battle. Your class or quorum might benefit from a discussion about these challenges and about how the Savior can help those who struggle with anxiety and depression. To begin this discussion, you might ask the youth to review Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Like a Broken Vessel,” especially the last four paragraphs (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 40–42), or Sister Reyna I. Aburto’s message “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 57–59). Invite class or quorum members to look for truths that are meaningful to them and share what they found. Encourage the youth to talk with a trusted parent or leader or visit mentalhealth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org if they feel they need help.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Matthew 5:1–12; 1 Peter 4:12–13; 2 Nephi 2:25–27; Mosiah 2:41; 3:3–7; 4:2–3; Alma 36:16–22; 4 Nephi 1:15–16 (How to find joy)

• D. Todd Christofferson, “The Joy of the Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 15–18

• “Suicide Prevention and Ministering,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior personally knew those He taught—and who they could become. When they struggled, He continued to love them. How can you show that you love and support those you teach?