Joy

Happiness

I skipped  ahead in my scripture study today, because I wanted to read about the sons of Mosiah meeting up with Alma. I just love that part of scripture. In Alma 27:17 it states, "Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth." And then in 18 it reads, "Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness."

What does it mean to be a humble seeker of happiness?

I looked up happiness in the topical guide and--of course--the topical guide is  series of scriptures that all deal with happiness; however, in just scanning through the scriptures there were a few phrases that carried heavy meaning for me. For example:

-Psalms 146:5 Happiness is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help.
-Prov. 3:13 Happiness is the man that findeth wisdom.
-Prov. 4:21 Happiness is he that hath mercy on the poor.
-John 13:17 If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
-Romans 14:22 Happiness is he that condemneth not himself.
-James 5:11 We count them happy which endrure
-2 Nephi 2:13 If there be no righteousness there be no happiness.
-Mosiah 2:41 Look on the happy state of those that keep the commandments.
-Alma 41:10 Wickedness never was happiness.
-Alma 40:12 Righteous are received into a state of happiness.

Almost every single one of these phrases deals with finding joy and happiness through our Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Sometimes in life we can allow our circumstances that surrounds us to overshadow the gift of that we have been given. I truly believe that as we cling to the gospel, we will find joy--even amidst our trials. At this moment in my life, I am struggling. My vision is clouded by cares and worries of the world; however, I believe that if adjust my focus just a touch...focusing on the things of God, I will find peace and joy amidst my trials. Happiness can be found even in the darkest of moments, but only in and through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Moroni 1-6

I love Moroni. I love the gems of wisdom he has left for us to indulge our thoughts; however, I think that I love his example best. One of my top, top, top--favorite parts of all The Book of Mormon happens in verse 2 & 3 of Moroni chapter 1. It says, "For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves and because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ. And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.

His example creates awe in my heart, and I long to be like him. I want to always stand for truth and righteousness. I want to stand firm against any trial. I want to be able to die for my Savior, because of the testimony ingrained in my heart. At this moment, I know I am not where I need to be spiritually in order for me to be like Moroni, but I have a lifetime to perfect it, and I won't stop...

In chapter 6, it speaks of this desire I am trying to articulate. In verse 4 it reads, "And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who is the author and finisher of their faith."

As we rely on Christ, our faith becomes more pure, and we become His. He is the author and the finisher of my faith. In Him I have trusted, and in Him, I will continue to trust. He lifts me. He guides me. And he loves me to the end. Oh, how marvelous my Savior is to me. How sweet is my joy. For I know that He is the reason for my joy, and for my strength.

This last year as I lost my second brother to death, I know He has carried me. I know He continues to carry me. And I have no doubt that as I rely on Him, all will be well.

Alma 33

Alma teaches us through Zenos's words that we should pray and worship in all places, and if we do--judgments are turned away from us through the Son of God. Alma then taught from Zenock when he stated that mercy is bestowed through the Son of God, and finally he spoke of Moses saying that a "type was raised in the wilderness that whosever would look upon it, would live". That typed in which he is speaking, is again symbolic of Christ. As we look to Him, we are saved.

Alma states, "Cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works" (Alma 33:22).

Jesus Christ is my salvation. We have been given a plan in which we can return; however, it is up to us if we will choose to allow that plan to be a part of our lives. The Lord has done all He can for us--it is now up to us to choose His plan.

The Reason For Our Hope ~ President Boyd K. Packer

THE REASON FOR OUR HOPE
Boyd K. Packer

 

"We preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26).

 

"I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

 

"Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold I am Jesus Christ....In me shall all mankind have life and that eternally even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters" (Ether 3:14).

 

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are all redeemed from the Fall of man, which occurred when Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, as stated in 1 Corinthians: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22).  ~Boyd K. Packer

 

It is expedient that an atonement should be made..., or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement...and infinite and eternal sacrifice" (Alma 34:9-10).

 

"The Savior wrought the atonement, which provides a way for us to become clean. Jesus Christ is the resurrected Christ. We worship and recognize Him for the pain He suffered for us collectively and for the pain He endured for each of us individually, both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He bore all with great humility and with eternal understanding of His divine role and purpose. Those who will repent and forsake sin will find that His merciful arm is outstretched still...The result of His sacrifice is to free us from the effects of sin, that all may have guilt erased and feel hope. Had He not accomplished the atonement, there would be no redemption" ~Boyd K. Packer

 

I have a testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I cannot put into words how I feel about Him. I need Him every day. I feel Him with me as I seek Him. He strengthens me. He loves me. I am not perfect, but through Him I allowed an opportunity at refining my weaknesses. Despite my struggles, He still loves me. He wants me to continue. I am grateful to know that through the atonement, I can start each day with a clean slate. Without this knowledge, I think life would lose its meaning. It would be easy to want to quit--for what purpose would we have. Through Christ, I have the hope of returning to my heavenly home. There is a purpose in life. I'm not here simply to satisfy curiosity, but rather to do my Father's will. Through Christ, I can continue on the pathway set by my Father, and I can continue to become all that my Father expects. I cannot do this alone--I need Jesus Christ.

 

My heart swells with thanksgiving toward my Savior. I am amazed at His love. I am astounded at the gift of the atonement. I am humble. Someday I hope to kneel at his feet and proclaim my everlasting gratitude. When I think of my gratitude, I imagine myself embracing my Savior, crying on his shoulder--my heart would be full of love, awe, gratitude, reverence, and joy.