The True Source of Joy: Finding Peace in the Process of the Work

Sometimes, when you’re deep in the process—whether it’s studying for a big exam, preparing for a mission interview, or just navigating the daily grind of discipleship—it’s easy to get caught up in the *destination*. We focus on the perfect outcome: the engaged couple, the acceptance letter, the feeling of 'finally there.' We build our hopes and dreams around these visible markers of success.

I was thinking recently about the difference between wanting something and *being* happy while you wait for it. It struck me how often we treat happiness like a reward—a prize we get *after* we achieve X, Y, or Z. But what if the source of true, enduring joy isn't the achievement itself, but the *process* of drawing near to the Spirit?

It’s a lesson that rings so true when you’re in the field, or even when you’re just studying scriptures in your own living room. We learn that the feelings of deep peace, profound joy, and abiding love don't come from external circumstances. They come from internal covenants and consistent effort.

The Fruit vs. The Fortune

Think about the scripture passage that describes the fruit of the Spirit. It lists love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Notice the pattern: these are *fruits*. They are the natural byproduct of cultivating something vital—the Spirit itself. They aren't commodities you can buy, or milestones you can check off a to-do list.

When I was going through my own period of waiting—waiting for things to align, waiting for clarity, waiting for the next big transfer—I was tempted to focus on what I *lacked*. I focused on the gap between my current reality and my desired future. And that focus, I realized, only amplified the frustration.

But when I intentionally shifted my focus—when I doubled down on scripture study, when I served in the ward, when I made sure I was doing the things that invite the Holy Ghost into my life—something miraculous happened. I found moments of genuine, quiet joy, even when the external circumstances were messy or frustrating. It was a profound realization: the feeling of peace was the *result* of the effort, not the reward for it.

A Skill for the Internet Missionary

This is a powerful principle for us as internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. When you are teaching someone about the Plan of Salvation, or when you are trying to help a friend navigate a difficult question, the temptation is to focus only on the perfect answer. But remember the *process* of discipleship. The best teaching moments happen when we are humble enough to admit what we *don't* know, and then together, we study the scriptures. The joy comes from the shared seeking.

If you’re feeling discouraged in your own efforts to build your testimony, or if you’re feeling the weight of the work, remember this: Keep doing the things that bring the Spirit into your life. Keep gathering those small moments of faithfulness, and trust that the deep, abiding joy will follow.

This week, let's focus on cultivating that internal garden. Instead of asking, "What do I need to *get* to feel happy?" let's ask, "What can I do *today* to invite the Spirit to bless me with joy?"

If you want to dig deeper into this concept of internal cultivation, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod authors' thoughts on faith and patience. For a practical skill, I encourage you to try a Social Scripture Study session this week in LivingBook. Highlighting a verse and seeing what insights others share can be a beautiful reminder that the light is always shared.

If you’re looking for a place to discuss these deeper concepts with others, check out a Book Club in HolyPlaces. We learn best together!