Be of Good Cheer

This talk is from the Women’s Session of the General Conference held in October 2020. President Oak’s talk is a timely reminder that despite our circumstances, we have much to be thankful for and that we can find joy all around us. He also reminds us that Heavenly Father is aware of each us as individuals and that we need to trust Him.

Be of Good Cheer

by President Dallin H. Oaks

We need to remember that the Lord trusts us and is supporting us through every trial we experience. As we in turn trust Him and walk His path, we strengthen our faith and we overcome difficult challenges, persevering in the face of adversity.

“Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:5–6).

President Oaks talks about tribulation and challenges being part of the “common experiences of mortality”. He also says:

“Opposition is an essential part of the divine plan for helping us grow,² and in the midst of that process, we have God’s assurance that, in the long view of eternity, opposition will not be allowed to overcome us.

With His help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail. Like the mortal life of which they are a part, all tribulations are temporary.”

It can be difficult to find joy in difficult times, but the Lord reminds us to count our blessings and look beyond our current circumstances to find joy. Where do you find joy in your life? What blessings has the Lord given you?

As we continue through our current challenges, we must remember that our trials and tribulations are temporary. There are times when they seem to go on and on, and that there is no end in sight. However, as our faith and trust in the Lord increases, so does our spiritual strength.

“In the midst of hardships, the divine assurance is always “be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:18).”

As we ask for help and trust the Lord, we are able to overcome seemingly impossible hurdles – this comes from a partnership of trust through the trials of faith. If you look back, you will find examples of challenges and hardships you have overcome. These have prepared you for the future, building up your foundation of faith in the Lord.

“With the Lord’s promises, we “lift up [our] heart[s] and rejoice” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:13), and “with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:15), we go forward on the covenant path…”

As we remember that there is joy to be found everyday and find opportunities to express our gratitude, we will be able to recognise the blessings we receive everyday.

“There is boundless power in the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our unshakable faith in that doctrine guides our steps and gives us joy.

It enlightens our minds and gives strength and confidence to our actions. This guidance and enlightenment and power are promised gifts we have received from our Heavenly Father.

By understanding and conforming our lives to that doctrine, including the divine gift of repentance, we can be of good cheer as we keep ourselves on the path toward our eternal destiny—reunion and exaltation with our loving heavenly parents.”