From YA Weekly
3 Things That Have Brought Me Joy as a Young Adult
You don’t have to wait to be happy—you can find joy every day.
The scriptures tell us that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). And yet, happiness often seems elusive. We might think, “I’ll be happy when I have a better job” or “I’ll be happy once I’m married.”
But God doesn’t want us to wait for some future time to feel joy. So what can we do right now to start experiencing true joy?
Here are three things that have brought me joy as a young adult.
1. Sharing the Gospel
I was preparing to serve a mission while many things were shut down due to COVID-19. I needed to travel to the capital city of Uganda—Kampala—to get my passport but couldn’t take a taxi because of the pandemic. I knew I needed my passport to go on my mission, so I decided to walk four hours into the city.
When I finally got my passport, I was exhausted and my feet were swollen, but I knew it would be worth it.
And I was right!
The Lord promises that when we bring others to Him, we will experience joy (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:15).
As I shared the joyful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ while on my mission, I became more like the Savior and felt God’s love more deeply.
Now that I’m home, I can continue feeling that love and joy by sharing the gospel with friends and family.
2. Serving in the Church
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others?”
I’ve found that the answer is yes! I’m happiest when I’m serving others, especially by fulfilling Church callings.
I currently hold several callings, one of which is stake assistant clerk. It can be demanding, but knowing that I’m serving Heavenly Father keeps me going.
Elder Uchtdorf also said: “‘God will repay your kindness generously. The joy you give to others will return to you in ‘good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over’ [Luke 6:38].”
Fulfilling my callings allows me to feel God’s love for the people I serve and gives me a deeper sense of purpose.
3. Honoring Temple Covenants
I believe that families are at the center of God’s plan for us, and I look forward to the day I can be sealed to a spouse in the temple.
Until then, I find joy in honoring the covenants I have made, knowing that I’m bound to God.
President Russell M. Nelson said: “God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy.”
How can I not be joyful after hearing that promise?
Joy in the Savior
When it comes down to it, joy is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. During a time of fear and persecution, the Savior told Joseph Smith, “Fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36).
Remember, God wants us to be happy. He’s given us family members, friends, scriptures, temples, and more, all to help us feel His love and joy and return to live with Him.
I know that as we turn toward Jesus Christ and help others do the same, we can feel joy, no matter our circumstances.