I remember that just the day before I first met the missionaries, I was at a low point in my life. With nothing to do, I wandered around near my home and saw a boy about my age—an 18-year-old—riding his bicycle, whistling, and happily delivering rice. At that moment, I thought to myself, 'I wish I could be as happy as he is.' Perhaps God heard my wish, because the next day, I met the missionaries. And the joy they brought me was beyond this life—it was a joy that lasts for eternity.
Before I joined the Church, I thought I knew what happiness was. Having money to buy what I wanted, traveling to places I wished to visit, spending time with close friends, having a loving family or spouse, and having everything go smoothly without worries were what I believed defined happiness. But it was not until I went on my mission that I truly understood what happiness means. I discovered the secret to real joy. Unexpectedly, despite the frustrations, disappointments, and hardships of missionary work, I found true happiness in serving others. I can honestly say that those two years were among the happiest of my life because my thoughts and efforts were focused on helping others and serving God rather than on myself.
'Yea, ... the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors.'
Alma 36:25
As Alma 36:25 states: 'Yea, ... the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors.' The joy found in the gospel of Jesus Christ is different from the happiness the world offers. The joy found in Christ is built through trials, struggles, sacrifices, faith, testimony, covenants, and obedience.
In the scriptures, the meaning of joy often goes beyond temporary satisfaction or fleeting happiness. We learn from the scriptures that joy is a divine attribute. When we finally return to live with God, the joy we receive will be complete, deeper, and more lasting than any pleasure or excitement this world can offer. Most importantly, it is a joy that elevates the soul and transforms lives.
Over the past forty years since joining the Church, I have found joy in trusting God despite feelings of inadequacy and discouragement while fulfilling my callings. I have experienced joy through obedience to God's commandments, even in moments of weakness and frustration. I have felt joy in following God, despite the pressures and challenges of caring for my family. All this joy comes from the Atonement of Christ. Only through His suffering and sacrifice can such sweet and profound joy be made possible.
The Lord gives a beautiful promise to all who strive to follow Him: 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.' (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13)
I will always be grateful for the joy that the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought into my life. It is a joy that strengthens me to change, a joy filled with gratitude and hope, and a joy that gives me confidence in the life to come. This joy has deepened my testimony of Christ and has strengthened my faith in God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.