Finding Our Joy: Where Does Our True Sustenance Come From?

Sometimes I listen to things—whether it’s a talk, a video, or even just a quiet moment of reflection—and I hear echoes of what the Savior taught us, but phrased in the language of the world. We hear about 'the Joneses,' about chasing the next big thing, about the constant striving to *be* something, to *have* something.

And honestly, it’s exhausting. It’s exhausting to feel like happiness is something you earn through acquisition, or comparison, or achievement. We get so caught up in the performance of a 'good life' that we forget what true, abiding joy feels like.

It reminds me of something I was pondering recently: what truly sustains us? Is it the career path, the perfect house, or the constant hustle? The speaker in the video touched on this beautifully when discussing how much misery can come from being in a job or situation that drains the spirit. It’s a powerful reminder that our calling—our *work*—should be a source of light, not a drain of our vitality.

The Work as Our Passion

For us, as Latter-day Saints, our calling is often described as 'the work.' It’s not just a job; it’s a divine assignment. Whether you are in the MTC, serving as a missionary, or even here at home, the goal is to find the joy in helping others connect with the restored gospel. That is the passion that doesn't fade with the economy or the culture.

Think about it: When we are preparing to share the gospel, or when we are teaching a friend through a Book Club, or even just having a deep, thoughtful conversation during missionary discussions, what are we doing? We are channeling something pure. We are pointing people toward the source of all joy, which is Christ.

This concept of finding joy—finding *our* unique contribution—is key for every disciple. If you feel burnt out, if you feel that dissatisfaction creeping in, it might be a sign that you need to re-center on the divine purpose. Maybe it’s time to dive deeper into your scriptures through the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook, or perhaps you need to talk through some difficult doctrinal questions with Davee in an AI Investigator session.

The Internet Missionary Mindset

The beautiful truth we know is that we don't need to be physically in a mission field to be effective. Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. That is the power of the Spirit working through us.

If you are feeling adrift, remember that the Spirit is patient, but we must be diligent. Don't wait for the perfect moment, the perfect resource, or the perfect feeling. Start where you are. Be Christlike in the small interactions. Be a source of light in your neighborhood, your workplace, or your online community.

The greatest joy comes not from what we acquire, but from what we give—our time, our empathy, and our testimony.

If you want to build that muscle of sharing the gospel, I highly recommend checking out some of the resources available in the Iron Rod. For those who enjoy structured learning, joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces is a wonderful way to solidify your knowledge. For a more casual, yet deeply meaningful dive, consider tackling one of the Isaiah Studies modules.

We are all on a journey of refinement, learning to distinguish between fleeting worldly pleasures and the deep, abiding joy found in discipleship. Keep seeking that source. Keep sharing the light.

If you’re feeling inspired to connect with others who are on a similar journey of faith refinement, join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge—it’s a great way to build momentum!