Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ
Brian K. Taylor, of the Seventy
Elder Taylor shares divine principles for enduring trials and finding joy in Christ's promises.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking class members to share a time when they experienced a trial and how they found joy or peace during or after that trial.
- Start the lesson by reading the story of blind Bartimaeus from the New Testament and discuss how faith can influence the timing and nature of our miracles.
- Open the lesson by discussing the concept of joy, especially in the context of trials and hardships. Ask class members to share their thoughts on how it's possible to find joy in difficult circumstances.
Topics
Understanding the Purpose of Trials
Elder Taylor discusses the varying experiences of individuals in receiving miracles, from immediate healing to enduring affliction. He emphasizes that while we may not always understand the reasons for our trials, we can trust in God's love and purpose for us.
Why do some receive their yearned-for miracles quickly, while others patiently endure, waiting upon the Lord? We may not know the why, yet gratefully, we know He who “loveth [us]” and “[doeth] all things for [our] welfare and happiness.”
- Why do you think some people receive their miracles quickly while others have to wait?
- How can we maintain faith when our prayers aren't answered in the way or timeframe we expect?
- Can you share a personal experience where you had to patiently endure a trial?
- How can understanding God's love and purpose for us help during trials?
- What are some ways we can seek to understand God's purposes in our trials?
Gaining Eternal Perspective
Elder Taylor shares the story of Holly Porter, who lost her son in a tragic fire, to illustrate the power of eternal perspective in lightening our burdens. He emphasizes the importance of turning to God in our trials and adversities.
As we look at all things with eternal perspective, it will significantly lighten our load.
- How can an eternal perspective help us during trials?
- What does it mean to "think celestial" in the context of our trials?
- Can you share an experience when an eternal perspective helped you through a trial?
- How can we cultivate an eternal perspective in our daily lives?
- Why is it crucial that we turn to God during trials and adversities?
Invitations to Find Peace and Joy
Elder Taylor outlines three divine principles that can help us find peace, hope, and joy during life's challenges: putting Jesus Christ first, envisioning our eternal destiny, and focusing on joy.
To avoid the darkness of discontent and instead find greater peace, hope, and even joy during life’s difficult challenges, I share three divine principles as invitations.
- How can putting Jesus Christ first in our lives bring us peace and hope?
- Why is envisioning our eternal destiny important during trials?
- How does focusing on joy help us endure our trials?
- Can you share a personal experience where these principles helped you find peace or joy during a trial?
- How can we better implement these principles in our lives?
The Comforting Promises of the Savior
Elder Taylor concludes by sharing the comforting promises of the Savior, assuring us that He will ease our burdens and visit us in our afflictions.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- What comfort do you find in the Savior's promises?
- How have you experienced the Savior easing your burdens in your life?
- Why is it important to remember these promises during trials?
- Can you share a personal experience where these promises brought you comfort or peace?
- How can we better come unto the Savior in our trials and burdens?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we help others find joy in their trials?
- What are some scriptures that have comforted you during trials?
- How can we better support each other in our trials as a ward or community?
- How can we develop a deeper appreciation for the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives?
- What are some ways we can keep a vision of our Father's promised blessings before our eyes every day?
- How can our trials help us become more like our heavenly parents?
- Why is it important to remain faithful and keep our covenants during trials?
- How can the Savior's Atonement help us find joy in our trials?
- How can our trials qualify us for eternal life in the kingdom of God?
- How can we turn our trials into learning and growth opportunities?
