![]() Now consider the difference if we changed the words to say, “I believe they’ll call me on a mission.” Doesn’t that have a different connotation? With believe, it seems to say, “I understand the mission program and am confident that in time I will be able to apply for mission service.” There is a factual appreciation of the process but an emotional element lacking. When I was a young child attending Primary, I sang, “I hope they call me on a mission.” I hope. Perhaps a simple example will help define what hope means. Most of us understand faith fairly well but have less comprehension of what hope is. Hope is a critical spiritual characteristic that does not get much direct treatment in scripture, though Mormon teaches that faith and hope are interdependent upon one another: “Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope for without faith there cannot be any hope” ( Moroni 7:42). If life is meant to be lived joyfully, but at the same time will be filled with needed opposition and suffering, then how are those two situations rectified? How can we find happiness amidst the struggle? I have come to believe that the key to this is hope. Why didn’t I find happiness when it seemed it was all around me? At the same time, all around me there were hundreds of happy boys who were climbing towers and tying knots and sailing boats. I would sit by myself on a large boulder overlooking the lake and cry. I have a distinct memory of that week being very, very long. ![]() To top it off, I had not been looking forward to scout camp to begin with, so my attitude was bad from every angle. I had no friends in the group and would not likely have any contact with them after camp, so forming relationships with these temporary companions was challenging. As such, I went with a troop of boys I did not know. I was the oldest of my peers at church, so none of my friends were old enough to attend camp that summer. Summer approached and scout camp was on the agenda. I remember being a young man and a new member of the Boy Scouts of America. Difficult challenges usually don’t automatically yield happiness we must actively look for the good. On the contrary, “Men are that they might have joy” ( 2 Nephi 2:25). But that doesn’t mean we just grimace and suffer our way through this mortal existence. Because we need to grow spiritually, life is going to be difficult and grueling at times. One of the sisters talked about the concept of enduring to the end and stated, “I like to think of it more like ‘enjoying’ to the end.” Her words inspired me. 1:2.The other night, I was on a video call with the sister missionaries as they were teaching about the doctrine of Jesus Christ. My son, peace be unto thy soul, D&C 121:7.įinding there was greater peace, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, Abr. He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive peace, D&C 59:23.Ĭlothe yourselves with the bond of charity, which is the bond of perfectness and peace, D&C 88:125. ![]() Walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me, D&C 19:23. The spirits of the righteous are received into a state of peace, Alma 40:12.ĭid I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter, D&C 6:23. ![]() 52:7).Īlma cried unto the Lord and found peace, Alma 38:8. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who publish peace, Mosiah 15:14–18 ( Isa. King Benjamin’s people received peace of conscience, Mosiah 4:3. The peace of God passeth all understanding, Philip. There was a heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Luke 2:13–14. The Savior will be called the Prince of Peace, Isa. Renounce war and proclaim peace, D&C 98:16. Live peaceably with all men avenge not yourselves, Rom. Neither shall they learn war any more, Isa. ![]() In the scriptures, peace can mean either freedom from conflict and turmoil or the inner calm and comfort born of the Spirit that God gives to His faithful Saints. ![]()
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