Study Guide for "A Higher Joy"

In this talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf discusses the concept of joy, where it comes from, and how we can experience it in greater measure. He uses the story of the Wright brothers and their father's first flight as a metaphor for seeking higher joy in our lives. He also addresses the challenges of finding happiness and the role of the gospel of Jesus Christ in leading us to a more profound and enduring joy.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by "higher joy"?
How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we can experience this "higher joy" in greater measure?
What role does the gospel of Jesus Christ play in finding this "higher joy"?
How does Elder Uchtdorf address the challenges of finding happiness?
What steps does Elder Uchtdorf suggest for embarking on the journey of discovering pure joy?

Topics

Understanding the Aim of Human Existence

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the universal human desire for happiness and the difficulties many people face in finding it. He suggests that perhaps we have been looking for joy in the wrong places.

It probably goes without saying that everyone wants to be happy. Nevertheless, it also goes without saying that not everyone is happy. Sadly, it seems that for many people, happiness is hard to find.

If happiness is the one thing we humans desire most, why are we so unsuccessful at finding it? To paraphrase a country song, maybe we’ve been looking for joy in all the wrong places.

What does Elder Uchtdorf suggest is the aim of human existence?
Why does Elder Uchtdorf suggest that many people struggle to find happiness?
What does it mean to look for joy in the wrong places?
In what ways might you be looking for joy in the wrong places?
What changes could you make to seek happiness in more fulfilling ways?

Finding Happiness through Discipleship

Elder Uchtdorf explains that happiness is promised to those who walk the path of discipleship, follow the teachings and example of the Savior, keep His commandments, and honor covenants they make with God.

Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness. It is not a secret. It is available to all!

It is promised to those who walk the path of discipleship, follow the teachings and example of the Savior, keep His commandments, and honor covenants they make with God. What a remarkable promise!

What path does Elder Uchtdorf suggest leads to happiness?
What does it mean to walk the path of discipleship?
How does following the teachings and example of the Savior lead to happiness?
How can you better follow the teachings and example of the Savior in your daily life?
What steps can you take to walk the path of discipleship more fully?

The Transcendent Joy Offered by God

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the difference between worldly happiness and the higher, more profound joy offered by God. He explains that godly joy is eternal and endures heartbreak, sorrow, and loneliness.

A higher and more profound joy—a joy that transcends anything this world offers. It is a joy that endures heartbreak, penetrates sorrow, and diminishes loneliness.

But godly joy is eternal, because God is eternal. Jesus Christ came to lift us out of the temporal and replace corruption with incorruption. Only He has that power, and only His joy is perpetual.

What is the difference between worldly happiness and godly joy?
Why is godly joy eternal?
How does Jesus Christ help us to experience this godly joy?
How have you experienced the difference between worldly happiness and godly joy in your own life?
What steps can you take to seek godly joy over worldly happiness?

Drawing Near to God for Healing and Joy

Elder Uchtdorf uses the story of the woman with the bleeding illness from the New Testament to illustrate how drawing near to God can bring healing, peace, and joy.

Like this woman, I have learned that if we draw near to God and reach out to touch Him, we can indeed find healing, peace, and joy.

What does the story of the woman with the bleeding illness teach us about drawing near to God?
How does drawing near to God bring healing, peace, and joy?
What might be preventing you from drawing near to God?
What steps can you take to draw nearer to Him?

Finding Joy through Service

Elder Uchtdorf teaches that one of the best ways to find joy is to bring joy to others. He suggests that joy multiplies when it is shared and that simple acts of service can bring great joy.

Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others?

Joy is like a barrel of flour or a jar of oil that will never run out. True joy multiplies when it is shared.

How does bringing joy to others help us to find joy ourselves?
What does Elder Uchtdorf mean when he says that "true joy multiplies when it is shared"?
How have you experienced joy through serving others?
What opportunities do you have to bring joy to others through service?