Talk Preparation Guide for "A Higher Joy"

In this inspiring talk, Elder Uchtdorf uses the metaphor of aviation to explore the concept of seeking a "higher joy" in our lives. He addresses the universal human desire for happiness and suggests that true, enduring joy can only be found through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He acknowledges the challenges of life, including mental health issues and sorrow, but assures us that the joy offered by Christ transcends these difficulties. He invites us to draw nearer to God, seek joy actively, and serve others to experience this higher joy.

Topics

Understanding the Concept of a Higher Joy

Elder Uchtdorf introduces the concept of a "higher joy", which is more profound and enduring than worldly happiness. He suggests that this higher joy comes from following Jesus Christ and His teachings.

And yet, as amazing as that joy is, there is an even higher kind of joy.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the “good news of great joy”! It is a message of matchless hope! A message of yoke-bearing and burden-lifting. Of light-gathering. Of heavenly favor, higher understanding, holier covenants, eternal security, and everlasting glory!

Key Points:

Higher joy comes from following Jesus Christ.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of great joy.

Experiences:

Can you recall a time when you experienced a sense of "higher joy"?
How has following Christ's teachings brought joy into your life?
In what ways has the gospel been a source of hope and joy for you?

Recognizing the Challenges to Finding Joy

Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges that not everyone is happy and that mental health issues are real. He emphasizes that experiencing sadness or sorrow is not a sign of failure, but a part of life.

Before we discuss how to find joy, allow me to acknowledge that depression and other difficult mental and emotional challenges are real, and the answer is not simply “Try to be happier.”

In this life, at least, joy and sorrow are inseparable companions.

Key Points:

Depression and other mental health issues are real challenges to finding joy.
Joy and sorrow are inseparable in life.

Experiences:

Have you ever faced challenges that made it difficult for you to find joy?
How have you coped with feelings of sadness or sorrow?
Can you share a time when you found joy even in the midst of sorrow?

Drawing Nearer to God for Healing and Joy

Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to draw nearer to God, despite our fears or perceived unworthiness. He assures us that by reaching out to God, we can find 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.

Key Points:

Drawing near to God can bring healing, peace, and joy.
Despite our fears or feelings of unworthiness, we can and should reach out to God.

Experiences:

Can you share a time when you reached out to God and found healing or peace?
How has drawing nearer to God brought joy into your life?
Have you ever felt unworthy to approach God? How did you overcome this feeling?

Actively Seeking Joy

Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the importance of actively seeking joy in our lives. He suggests that we will find what we are looking for, so we should look for reasons to rejoice and follow the Savior.

Jesus taught, “Seek, and ye shall find.”

However, if we seek joy—if we look for reasons to rejoice and to happily follow the Savior, we will find them.

We rarely find something we are not looking for.

Key Points:

We should actively seek joy in our lives.
We will find what we are looking for, so we should look for reasons to rejoice and to follow the Savior.

Experiences:

Can you share a time when you actively sought joy and found it?
How has seeking joy changed your perspective on life?
In what ways have you found joy in following the Savior?

Serving Others to Find Joy

Elder Uchtdorf teaches that serving others is a way to find joy. He suggests that the joy we give to others will return to us, and that simple acts of kindness can bring great joy.

Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

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

The joy you give to others will return to you in “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”

Key Points:

Serving others is a way to find joy.
The joy we give to others will return to us.
Simple acts of kindness can bring great joy.

Experiences:

Can you share a time when you found joy in serving others?
How has giving joy to others brought joy back into your life?
What simple acts of kindness have brought you joy?