Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ

Understanding the Divine Purposes of Trials

Elder Taylor discusses how trials serve divine purposes in our lives. They are not wasted but contribute to our character development and make us more like our Heavenly Parents. Even the Savior was perfected through sufferings.

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. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our [heavenly parents].

For when I am weak, then am I strong.

• Trials are not wasted but contribute to our character development.
• Through trials, we become more like our Heavenly Parents.
• The Savior was perfected through sufferings.

• Think of a time when a trial helped you grow and develop your character.
• Reflect on a hardship that made you more compassionate or understanding.
• Consider a time when suffering brought you closer to the Savior.

Gaining Divine Perspectives During Hardships

Elder Taylor highlights the importance of having an eternal perspective during trials. This perspective can lighten our load and help us to see trials as opportunities for growth and spiritual refinement.

As we look at all things with eternal perspective, it will significantly lighten our load.

As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light.

• An eternal perspective can lighten our burdens during trials.
• Thinking celestial allows us to view trials and opposition in a new light.

• Recall a time when an eternal perspective helped you endure a trial.
• Think of an instance when thinking celestial changed your view on a challenge.
• Reflect on a situation where your perspective made a difference in your response to adversity.

Embracing Divine Principles for Endurance and Joy

Elder Taylor shares three divine principles to help us find peace, hope, and joy during life's difficult challenges. These principles are putting Jesus Christ first, envisioning our eternal destiny, and focusing on joy.

Look unto me in every thought," He declares; "doubt not, fear not.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer," our Savior encourages; "I have overcome the world.

For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross," His will "being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

• Stronger faith comes by putting Jesus Christ first.
• Brighter hope comes by envisioning our eternal destiny.
• Greater power comes by focusing on joy.

• Think of a time when putting Christ first helped you through a trial.
• Reflect on an instance when envisioning your eternal destiny brought hope in a difficult situation.
• Consider a moment when focusing on joy gave you strength to endure.

Relying on Divine Promises

Elder Taylor assures us of the divine promises that God will always respond to our pleas in perfect wisdom and that our burdens can be made light through the joy of Christ.

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.

• God always responds to our pleas in perfect wisdom.
• Our burdens can be made light through the joy of Christ.
• God will not leave us comfortless.

• Recall a time when you felt God responding to your pleas during a trial.
• Reflect on a moment when your burdens were made light through the joy of Christ.
• Think of a situation when you felt God's comfort amidst hardship.