Young Adults
Experiencing the “Fulness of Joy” God Promises Us
Does living the gospel really make us happier?
The gospel offers us a unique perspective on the pursuit of happiness. Having personal relationships with God and Jesus Christ deepens our understanding of what real happiness is and what it means to be joyful.
But for me, worldly happiness and enduring joy are two different things.
Worldly happiness is based on temporary pleasure and enjoyment and is influenced by our current circumstances. It can spark pure delight or cause us to laugh out loud. However, this kind of happiness can be fleeting and hard to keep.
Meanwhile, Christ-centered joy is a long-term state of contentment and peace that isn’t based on our circumstances. Joy speaks to the heart and soul and can last much longer than worldly happiness.
Comparing these two feelings made me think about my own experiences and how the gospel of Jesus Christ brings deeper, more enduring joy into our lives
By following the Savior, keeping His commandments, and staying on the covenant path, we unlock a greater capacity for profound joy. It’s important to understand that while worldly happiness is often a response to external factors, joy can be a profound, internal state that can exist even amid trials.
The Fleeting Pleasures of the World versus the Enduring Joy of the Gospel
I was happy even before I knew about the gospel. I had a good life, with parents who have always been the best examples I know of kindness, selflessness, and love. I believe that people can be happy without the gospel in their lives.
However, since joining the Church at age 18, I’ve learned that the gospel broadens our capacity to experience lasting joy. It’s our knowledge of the gospel that allows us to feel joy beyond anything the world can offer.
While the world offers happiness through temporary pleasures, the gospel invites us to partake of a joy that transcends all circumstances. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Worldly happiness … does not last. It cannot. It is the nature of all earthly things to grow old, decay, wear out, or become stale. But godly joy is eternal, because God is eternal.”
Over the last few years, I’ve had some particularly challenging times when I’ve struggled to feel cheerful. Despite the hardships, the sparks of joy I felt in moments of prayer, personal study, and serving others were profound. I found that my joy didn’t manifest through big, obvious emotions; instead, it was often through a deep, abiding sense of peace and fulfillment in my heart.
During these moments, I truly understood what it means to experience the joy that our Savior promises.
True, lasting joy comes from aligning our lives with God’s plan. As President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) testified: “Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost.” While the happiness the world offers usually comes from external circumstances, the happiness or joy the Lord offers is an eternal state that comes from living a Christ-centered life.
The Enduring Joy We Find in Christ
The joy of the gospel is contagious. It transforms not just our own lives but also the lives of those around us. The promise of everlasting joy is central to the message of the gospel. In 3 Nephi 28:10, we are promised a “fulness of joy” in the presence of the Father and the Son.
This eternal joy comes from fulfilling our divine purpose and becoming like God. It’s a joy that transcends our earthly experiences, promising a future of eternal happiness with our loved ones.
Everyone will experience ups and downs, but the gospel of Jesus Christ provides a path to everlasting joy. By seeking to follow the Savior and live according to His teachings, we can experience a joy that is profound, enduring, and transformative.
As President Russell M. Nelson said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
The promise of everlasting joy is not just a distant hope. It is a present reality that we can experience here and now. By living the gospel, we can transform fleeting moments of happiness into lasting joy. So seek happiness and pursue joy. Embrace the gospel. Let the promise of everlasting joy guide your path. Everlasting joy emanates from having God’s presence in our lives.
While worldly happiness may come and go, the joy we find in Christ is eternal!
The author lives in Glasgow, Scotland.
Notes