If every prayer was immediately answered, there would be no need for faith.⁣

If every righteous person aced every test, made every sports team, and got major job promotions, there would be no need for faith. ⁣

If heartbreaking tragedies avoided every good person’s life, there would be no need for faith in Jesus Christ. ⁣

Faith in Jesus Christ doesn’t give any of us a “free pass” card from the trials in life. ⁣

Happiness will not always be ours. ⁣

But faith in Jesus Christ can bring joy at all times. ⁣

I think of “joy” as the more mature version of “happiness”.⁣

It’s calmer. It’s deeper. It’s more peaceful. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when I didn’t get the part in the school musical that I wanted. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when I’ve felt left out of social situations. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy when traumatic world events have happened around me. ⁣

I have felt true, peaceful joy with devastating personal tragedies. ⁣

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him”. (Job 13:15) ⁣

And it’s not because I’m naive. ⁣

Not because I’m pollyanna happy-go-lucky. ⁣

Not because I push my emotions down. ⁣

I have felt sadness and sorrow. I have cried by myself and mourned with others. ⁣

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” —President Nelson⁣

Staying focused on Jesus Christ is the way to live. ⁣

When I choose to focus on Jesus more than I focus on my own circumstances, everything feels a little bit more joyful. ⁣

Jesus will always be the constant that I can trust, and that knowledge alone will always bring me joy.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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2 Responses

  1. Your daily emails day help me think more deeply about gospel principles. I thank you. I want you to know that you make a daily difference for me to walk with Jesus.
    Having my Savior’s peace and understanding during my hardest of times has moved mountains I didn’t think were even possible to move. He has helped me forgive and is my best friend.

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