A Reason to Rejoice

In the Doctrine and Covenants we are commanded to “Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad” (128:22). As Elder Holland remarked in a talk a while back, this may be the most disobeyed commandment the Lord has given.

The problem is that we live in a telestial world where many terrible things happen. We hear of natural disasters killing hundreds of people. We hear of evil acts perpetrated by our fellow human beings. We encounter problems daily because of health, finances, disappointments, relationships, etc. Everywhere we look there are negative situations that make it difficult to rejoice not the least of which is our own tendency to sin.

So how do we keep a commandment to rejoice always? Instead of dwelling on the negative around us, we dwell on the good. We take every opportunity to savor the good and today–Father’s Day–is one of those opportunities. Not only should we rejoice over our mortal fathers, but today we should rejoice over our Heavenly Father. He loves us. He created this world for us. He provided an amazing plan whereby we can become like Him. He sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us from the dire consequences of our sin. All that we have is from our Father. So rejoice. Enjoy. Give thanks for your mortal father and for you Heavenly Father, not just today but every day of the year. Rejoicing in all that is good is a marvelous antidote for all that is bad.