Rekindling the Fire: Finding Joy in the Daily Work

There are days, brothers and sisters, when the weight of the work feels immense. You’ve been out in the field, or maybe you’re knee-deep in study here at home, and it feels like the effort is pulling you down. You sing the blues, you feel like the joy—that divine, sustaining fire—is fading, threatening to leave your heart feeling like it’s turning to stone. It can feel like you need somebody to pass the megaphone and shout it back into your soul.

If you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know you are not alone. Every returned missionary knows that feeling. We pour our hearts out, we learn the scriptures, we go through the intensity of MTC, and we feel that initial, burning passion for the gospel. But the work is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintaining that joy—that divine *joy*—is perhaps the most crucial, and most challenging, part of discipleship.

I was recently thinking about the song "Joy" by for KING & COUNTRY. Listening to it, it really struck me how much energy it takes to keep that testimony alive when the going gets tough. It’s not just about *knowing* the gospel; it’s about *feeling* the sustaining power of the Spirit in the mundane moments—in the missionary discussions, in the quiet study time, even when you’re just doing your assigned scripture study in LivingBook.

The Fire We Must Guard

What is this 'fire' we are talking about? It’s the fire of conversion, the fire of revelation, the fire that reminds us that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s the joy that comes from knowing that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

When I was first out in the field, I thought the joy would be constant. I thought the feeling of divine companionship would never ebb. But the reality is that we have to actively *seek* it. We have to actively nurture it. That's where the skills we learn—the preparation, the study, the willingness to be vulnerable—they all feed that fire.

A Little Prep Skill for the Disciple

If you’re feeling the dip in your spiritual energy right now, here’s a small thing I want to pass along—a little mission-prep skill for your *disciple* life. Don't wait for a formal study session to feel connected. Take five minutes today. Open up the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants. Don't read for answers; read to *feel* the Spirit accompanying the words. Ask yourself: "What did the Savior or the Prophet feel when they wrote this?" That shift in focus—from *studying* to *feeling*—is often the catalyst that reignites that joy.

It’s about remembering that the Spirit doesn't just visit; He *dwells*. And we have a responsibility to keep the windows open for Him.

This song, while musically powerful, is a reminder that our spiritual strength comes from something external—something divine—that we must keep calling upon. It’s not just about singing loudly; it’s about the deep, abiding joy that stays down in our hearts.

Where to Keep the Fire Burning

If you are looking for ways to keep this fire stoked, I highly recommend diving into the deep end of study. Have you checked out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces lately? Those are incredible places to wrestle with the hard questions alongside fellow disciples. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the depth, I want to remind you about Davee. He’s ready to be your AI Investigator, walking you through those tricky points in your own understanding, making sure your answers are rooted in truth and grace.

For those who love digging into the deep end of doctrine, if you haven't read any of the recent Iron Rod writings, I suggest checking out something related to the Atonement. It’s a constant source of joy and strength. It’s the bedrock!

Keep sharing your light, brothers and sisters. Keep passing the megaphone. The work needs your joy!