Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Taylor describe the different ways people experience miracles and trials?
- What divine principles does Elder Taylor share to help us find peace and joy during trials?
- How does Elder Taylor use the story of Holly Porter to illustrate his points?
- What scriptures and teachings from Church leaders does Elder Taylor reference in his talk?
- What is Elder Taylor's personal witness of the Savior and His promises?
Topics
Understanding the Purpose of Trials
Elder Taylor discusses how trials serve divine purposes in our lives. They can help us grow, become more like our Heavenly Parents, and learn to trust in God's wisdom and love. Even though we may not understand why we experience certain trials, we can find hope and determination by trusting in God's purposes.
God, who sees the end from the beginning, reassures, "Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment," and they shall be consecrated "for thy gain."
No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education. … All … that we [patiently] endure … builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable.
- How does Elder Taylor explain the purpose of trials?
- What can we learn from our trials according to Elder Taylor?
- How can trusting in God's purposes help us during trials?
- How have you seen trials serve a divine purpose in your own life?
- How can you better trust in God's purposes during your current trials?
Gaining an Eternal Perspective
Elder Taylor emphasizes the importance of gaining an eternal perspective during trials. He shares the story of Holly Porter, who found peace and joy in her trials by focusing on the Savior and His Atonement. Elder Taylor also quotes Church leaders who taught about the power of an eternal perspective.
As we look at all things with eternal perspective, it will significantly lighten our load.
My hands are not the hands that save. Those hands belong to the Savior! Instead of looking at my scars as a reminder of what I was not able to do, I remember the scars my Savior bears.
- What is an eternal perspective according to Elder Taylor?
- How did Holly Porter gain an eternal perspective during her trials?
- How can an eternal perspective help us during trials?
- How can you gain a more eternal perspective in your current trials?
- How has an eternal perspective helped you in past trials?
Applying Divine Principles
Elder Taylor shares three divine principles that can help us find peace, hope, and joy during trials: putting Jesus Christ first, envisioning our eternal destiny, and focusing on joy. He explains each principle and shares teachings from Church leaders to support them.
Look unto me in every thought, He declares; doubt not, fear not.
What will it matter … what we suffered here if, in the end, those trials … qualify us for eternal life … in the kingdom of God?
For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross, His will being swallowed up in the will of the Father.
- What are the three divine principles Elder Taylor shares?
- How can each principle help us during trials?
- How does Elder Taylor use scriptures and teachings from Church leaders to support these principles?
- How can you better apply these principles in your current trials?
- How have these principles helped you in past trials?
Trusting in Divine Promises
Elder Taylor reminds us of the divine promises that God will comfort us, ease our burdens, and visit us in our afflictions. He shares these promises as a source of hope and reassurance during trials.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; … that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
- What divine promises does Elder Taylor share?
- How can these promises bring us comfort and reassurance during trials?
- How have you seen these promises fulfilled in your own life?
- How can you better trust in these promises during your current trials?
Witnessing the Savior's Love and Promises
Elder Taylor concludes his talk with his personal witness of the Savior and His promises. He testifies that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and will always respond in perfect wisdom. He also shares his hope that our burdens may be light and swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
With joyful reverence, I witness our Savior lives and His promises are sure.
May God grant unto you, as He has done for our family in times of great need, that your burdens may be light, even swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
- What is Elder Taylor's personal witness of the Savior and His promises?
- How does Elder Taylor's witness provide reassurance and hope?
- How does Elder Taylor's witness resonate with your own experiences?
- How can you strengthen your own witness of the Savior and His promises?
