Singing the Gospel: Finding Joy in the Work, Wherever You Are

Sometimes, the sheer weight of the calling—the calling to bear witness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ—can feel immense. It can feel like a mountain range we have to climb, especially when you’re just starting out, or maybe you’ve been out in the field for years and are feeling the weariness of the long haul.

But when I listened to "Joy to the World" recently, something just washed over me. It wasn't just the music; it was the *message* embedded in the melody. It’s a declaration that the Lord has come, and that joy isn't something reserved for perfect circumstances or for those who have been through the MTC. It’s inherent to the plan itself.

As we rogue disciples, we learn that the work doesn't pause for us to feel "ready." We are called to be internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time. This song, with its echoes of nature and heaven singing, reminds us that the joy of the Savior’s reign is a universal, undeniable truth.

The Joy of the Witness

Think about the lyrics: “Let every heart prepare Him room / And Heaven and nature sing.” That’s our job, isn't it? We aren't responsible for making the world sing; we are responsible for tuning our own hearts, and then inviting others to join the chorus. We are the conduits for the Spirit.

When I was first getting my bearings, I remember feeling overwhelmed during my early missionary discussions. I thought I needed the perfect anecdote, the perfect doctrinal answer, the perfect missionary skill. I was trying to *perform* the joy. But the Spirit—the real Spirit—doesn't come from performance; it comes from sincere connection to the Savior.

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”

That simple declaration is enough. It's the anchor. It’s the foundation for every lesson, every conversation, and every time we feel the need to check in with our district leader or our companions.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Finding the "Nature" in Your Testimony

If I had one mission-prep skill to share today, it’s about finding the "nature" part of the song. When you feel like you’re reciting doctrine, pause. Instead, connect it to something natural—the beauty of a sunrise, the reliability of the seasons, the constant cycle of life and death that points to the Resurrection. When you speak about Christ, let your testimony flow from the natural, observable goodness of the world, pointing upward to Him. That's where the Spirit whispers loudest.

It reminds me of the incredible resources we have. If you want to deepen your understanding of this, I highly recommend diving into the Book Club features in HolyPlaces. Sometimes a structured Bible Study Group can help you find those natural parallels in scripture.

Keep the Music Playing

This isn't just for missionaries heading to the field, though I know many of you are preparing for those transfers! This is for us right here, in our living rooms, in our workplaces, and on our screens. We are all internet missionaries.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your studies, check out some of the Iron Rod authors. I’ve been revisiting some insights on the nature of the Atonement, and it really helped frame my understanding of how we can *be* Christlike in our daily lives. It’s a constant refining process.

For those of you who are ready to practice what we preach, I’d love to see you at our next virtual gathering. We’re hosting a Disciple Challenge this week—it’s a great, low-stakes way to practice sharing your testimony with a companion who is just beginning to learn about the restored gospel. Come join us!

Remember, we are all singing this song together. The Lord reigns with truth and grace, and He makes the nations prove the wonders of His love. Let’s keep singing!