Sep 15, 2024

Handcart Pioneer Women by Julie Rogers

The beginning of 3 Nephi always causes me to reflect on how I would feel facing persecution for my beliefs. The Nephites who trusted in the prophecies of the holy prophets faced threats to their lives and to their families.

Yet they trusted.

When Nephi prayed to the Lord to know what to do, God counseled him and his people to “be of good cheer” (3 Nephi 1:13). Nephi trusted in God, and God did not fail him.

Early members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ also faced religious persecution. They sacrificed their homes, their livelihoods, their families, and their lives for their faith. Yet we have hymns and stories of these early Saints that show attitudes of worship, trust—and yes, joy. 

As one of these early Saints, Wilford Woodruff didn’t live a life free of sorrow. He was forced from his home and family and faced persecution and threats to his life, all because of his belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And yet, Wilford said, “All the happiness, all the joy and all the consolation I have ever had has been since I embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

Perhaps the reason for true joy is not the lack of tribulation, but the presence of the Lord through it. Joy comes from closeness to the Savior, not distance from hardship.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.” 

We will face trials, be they persecution, disappointment, the loss of a loved one, unfulfilled righteous desires, or any number of others. Let us focus on the Savior and, as Wilford Woodruff did, truly embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ to obtain the true joy we desire.

Lyndie is working toward a degree in Public Relations at Brigham Young University. Originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, she enjoys running, spending time with her husband and family, and reading. Lyndie served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermosillo, Mexico, where she developed a love for the Spanish language and the people there. She was drawn to the Wilford Woodruff Papers out of a desire to learn more about Church history and enjoys being part of the organization’s efforts to touch lives with Wilford Woodruff’s words.

The Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation’s mission is to digitally preserve and publish Wilford Woodruff’s eyewitness account of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and make his records universally accessible in order to inspire all people, especially the rising generation, to study and to increase their faith in Jesus Christ. For more information, please explore wilfordwoodruffpapers.org.