Living “joyfully” is a relative thing, don’t you think? And maybe its definition is unique to every person. Yet, I believe a person will find joy when they truly find Jesus Christ and accept His atoning gift.

Benson: “The worst destruction I have witnessed was seen today … half-starved women, old men … digging at tree stumps. Later I faced in a cold half-wrecked third floor auditorium off a bombed street 480 cold half-starved but faithful Latter-day Saints …There was no bitterness or anger, but a sweet … expression of faith.” Pres. Benson said the reason for their “cheerful … expression” was their “hope, courage, and faith” (69).

So, why do Mormons, Utah Mormons in particular, have such a high rate of depression? Why aren’t Mormon women happy or joyful in the gospel? Is it too blunt to say we lack faith? Is it possible we don’t fully understand the gospel? Perhaps we have gotten caught up in Satan’s web of lies and find ourselves helpless and at his mercy? None of these reasons are easy to admit. None of these are even the only reasons we struggle. We tend to stagger at different levels, at different times, about different things, and it all gets mixed up in our heads and we spiral downward unable to catch ourselves and feel the joy that we might otherwise feel.

The doctrine that we must all realize is that we are daughters of Heavenly Father—gods in embryo. As President Uchtdorf told us, “Being a daughter of eternal parents is not a distinction you earned or you will ever lose. You will always and forever remain a daughter of God.…The promised blessings of God to the faithful are glorious and inspiring. Among them are “thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths.” 2

Elder Holland once gave a conference address on what it was like to be a broken vessel. He said, “Today I am speaking of something more serious, of an affliction so severe that it significantly restricts a person’s ability to function fully, a crater in the mind so deep that no one can responsibly suggest it would surely go away if those victims would just square their shoulders and think more positively—though I am a vigorous advocate of square shoulders and positive thinking!” In talking about a deep, dark depression, he said, “I once terrifyingly saw it in myself.” 1

He continues with these elevating words, “Though we may feel we are ‘like a broken vessel,’ as the Psalmist says (Psalm 31:12), we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.” 1

That is where everyone can, and must, help; “to be merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.”

During BYU Women’s Conference, last year, a session was held about the struggles of depression. They introduced a beautiful pottery solution called Kintsugi. This is done to pottery when it has been broken into many pieces. It is still worth repairing, but gluing the pieces together simply patches it, not giving it the full reinforcement it needs. Kintsugi is a process where gold is used as the glue. The broken pieces are actually accentuated by the gold used to fortify its strength. And as a result, the now repaired pottery has become even more beautiful than it was initially.

This is what our Savior does for each of us. He fortifies our brokenness and makes us beautiful. And this is what we can find joy in—His redeeming repair.

Make no mistake, all of us will suffer during this earthlife. This is one of the reasons we were sent down here to overcome.

Benson: There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil” (72). But what is the magic necessary to overcome?

“Seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values … God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. … Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation.” 1

“Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us. His commandments are the loving instructions and the divine help for us to close the umbrella so we can receive the shower of heavenly blessings.” 2

Benson: “…Only through doing His will can we break the bonds of ignorance and doubt that bind us. We must learn this simple, glorious truth so that we can experience the sweet joys of the Spirit” (74). “There is no happiness in a letting down of standards. There is no happiness when you fail to live according to your convictions” (73).

Benson: “Without faith in our Heavenly Father, we cannot be successful” (71). Lesson learned: “When reverses come we need the temple all the more” (70). “It then becomes our individual responsibility to see that each of us remains faithful to the Church and its teachings” (71).

The last quote segues right into Visiting Teaching. How many of you are trustworthy visiting teachers? Do your sisters trust you with their questions, doubts, and fears? Do you take your responsibility to love her seriously? Do you teach “the Gospel Joyful”? leaving her with hope, with the spirit, and with golden veins of strength?

“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever” (2 Ne 2:25-26).

Never forget these words from President Uchtdorf. No matter what situation you find yourself in. No matter how others “make” you feel, or you “put on” yourself. No matter what pain and suffering you are called to endure. Just remember:

“You are loved.

You are dear to your heavenly parents.

The infinite and eternal Creator of light and life knows you! He is mindful of you.

Yes, God loves you this very day and always.

He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. He is aware that you reach up to Him in heartfelt and hopeful prayer. He knows of the times you have held onto the fading light and believed—even in the midst of growing darkness. He knows of your sufferings. He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. And still He loves you.

And God knows of your successes; though they may seem small to you, He acknowledges and cherishes each one of them. He loves you for extending yourself to others. He loves you for reaching out and helping others bear their heavy burdens—even when you are struggling with your own.

He knows everything about you. He sees you clearly—He knows you as you really are. And He loves you—today and always!” 2

 

1.  “Like a Broken Vessel,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct 2013

2.  “Living the Gospel Joyful,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Oct 2014