Lift Up Your Head and Rejoice
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What personal experiences does Brother Brough share to illustrate his points?
- How does Brother Brough suggest we should approach hard things in life?
- What role does forgiveness play in overcoming challenges according to Brother Brough?
- How can we find joy even during difficult times as taught in this talk?
Topics
Facing Hard Things with Faith
Brother Brough discusses the inevitability of facing hard things in life and emphasizes that asking "Why me?" does not alleviate the difficulty. Instead, he encourages us to see challenges as opportunities for growth and experience, as indicated by the Lord.
Frequently, our first reaction to hard things is "Why me?" Asking why, however, never takes away the hard thing.
The Lord requires that we overcome challenges, and He has indicated "that all these things shall give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good."
- Why does Brother Brough suggest that asking "Why me?" is not helpful?
- What does the Lord indicate about the purpose of our challenges?
- How can you change your perspective when facing a difficult challenge?
- Can you recall a time when a hard experience provided you with valuable lessons or growth?
The Role of Forgiveness in Overcoming Challenges
Brother Brough highlights the importance of forgiveness in overcoming challenges, sharing a poignant story about his stake president who forgave a man he once considered his enemy. This act of forgiveness brought peace and exemplified the healing power of the Atonement of Christ.
Forgiving those who may have caused our hard thing and reconciling "[our]selves to the will of God" can be very difficult.
In that moment, I learned of the peace that comes with forgiveness through the Atonement of Christ.
- Why is forgiveness crucial when facing hard things?
- What did Brother Brough’s stake president learn about forgiveness?
- Is there someone you need to forgive to find peace in your life?
- How can you apply the principle of forgiveness in your current challenges?
Submitting to God's Will
Brother Brough illustrates the importance of submitting to God's will through the story of his daughter, who faced significant challenges when her family moved to Guatemala. Her willingness to accept God's plan for her life, even when it was difficult, led to profound spiritual growth.
Because she gave her will to Heavenly Father, she served Him with all of her heart, might, mind, and strength.
She has taught her father how to do a hard thing.
- What does it mean to submit to God's will?
- How did Brother Brough’s daughter demonstrate submission to God's will?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God's will?
- How can you better align your actions with God's plan for you?
Finding Joy Amidst Trials
Brother Brough encourages finding joy even during difficult times by keeping the commandments and maintaining a perspective of eternity. He shares examples from the scriptures and personal experiences to illustrate that joy is possible despite hardships.
We can always rejoice when we keep the commandments.
We can and should find joy when we face hard things.
- How does keeping the commandments help us find joy during trials?
- What examples from the scriptures illustrate finding joy amidst trials?
- How can you find joy in your current challenges?
- What commandments can you focus on to increase your joy?
The Savior's Example of Overcoming the World
Brother Brough concludes by reminding us of the Savior's ultimate example of facing and overcoming hard things. Jesus Christ's Atonement provides us with the strength to overcome our own challenges and to "be of good cheer" despite tribulation.
Because of that loving-kindness, Jesus Christ suffered the Atonement.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- What example did the Savior set in facing hard things?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us overcome our challenges?
- How can you draw strength from the Savior’s example in your own life?
- In what ways can you "be of good cheer" despite tribulations?
