Our ultimate hope must be anchored to the Atonement of the Lord. But if our hopes were narrowly confined only to moments in mortality, we should surely be disappointed.

They speak of the “brightness of hope” for which we yearn ( 2 Nephi 31:20). Happiness comes when scriptures are used in shaping our lives. (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign, November 2016) Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!Īnd 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. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” ( Hebrews 12:2). Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. 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. We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” ( Hebrews 12:2) “in every thought” ( Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment” ( Doctrine and Covenants 121:7) and be consecrated to our gain (see 2 Nephi 2:2). Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding” ( Philippians 4:7), He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. (“‘A More Excellent Hope,’” Church Educational System Fireside, January 8, 1995) Counting blessings is better than recounting problems. Their hopes were combined with gratitude. The adults noted most of those items but in addition mentioned the temple, their love of the Lord, and appreciation for His Atonement. Our youth broadened their expressions to include gratitude for their country, freedom, and church. Their pictures were precious, though not likely to be shown in an art gallery. Generally, the children were thankful for food, clothing, shelter, family, and occasionally pets. We were asked to guess who composed each reply, which, incidentally, was not very difficult. The papers were then collected, redistributed, and read aloud. She asked each to complete the thought, either in writing or by drawing a picture.

As part of our after-dinner program, Sister Nelson distributed a sheet of paper to each individual, headed, “This year, I am thankful for-.” The remainder of the page was blank. We counted sixty-three people at the feast. All of our locally available daughters, sons, and grandchildren were there, among others. Thanksgiving, Sister Nelson and I hosted a memorable gathering. (“Go Forward with Faith,” Press Conference, January 16, 2018) I give you my assurance that regardless of the world’s condition and your personal circumstances, you can face the future with optimism and joy-if you have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. I marvel at the compassionate outreach we see constantly from the leaders and members of other faiths and from people of goodwill everywhere who seek to reduce human suffering wherever it is found. Though our world is filled with serious challenges, I am optimistic about the future and confident about the fundamental goodness of humankind. And I hope you feel that same exuberance for the gift of life. I wake up every morning eager for the adventures of the day. We live in the most vibrant era in the history of the world. This article was originally published by LDS Living in November 2018. Here are a few of his teachings on the topics, excerpted from the book Teachings of Russell M. Throughout his service in the Church, President Nelson has helped us to find joy and gratitude in every circumstance.

Lds picture quotes on optimism