I love the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25 “Adam fell that man might be; and men are that they may have joy.” It is important to realize that while we have come to this earth to prove ourselves worthy to return to our Heavenly Father, our lives are supposed to be happy and full of joy. It is too easy to forget the importance of finding joy in our daily lives.
One of the most important things to finding true joy is to live the principles of the gospel. The commandments are given to us to help make us happy. They help us to avoid heartache and painful mistakes. Although some may feel the commandments and the other guidelines that the church has set forth for us to follow are too restrictive, in reality they give us freedom. The free us from regret, heartache and addiction.
It is also important to focus on the moments that bring us true happiness. This may be sitting down and enjoying the afternoon reading with your children or a game of baseball in the backyard. It may mean taking a moment or two each week to list the wonderful things and blessings you have received over the past week.
It may also mean letting go of the things that you can’t change. If you are worried about things constantly, it will eat away at your happiness. There is wisdom in recognizing the things you can change around you, and doing something about it. There is also wisdom in recognizing the things you cannot change, and turning those matters over to the Lord. This will help to reduce your stress and it will give you a great sense of happiness.
It is also important to realize the difference between true joy and temporary or instant gratification. People sometimes mistake the need for things as part of joy, but joy comes through loving and caring for others, and from giving and helping.
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General Conference from the Past: “To Have Joy”