D&C 98:1-3 --- On Moving from Fear to Joy

"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord."
Doctrine and Covenants 98:1-3


I like the progression from reducing fear, to comfort, to rejoicing and thanksgiving. Then, God talks about afflictions working for our good, and it seems to be part of that same progression. We are sometimes afflicted, and have reason to fear, but we don't need to fear, or worry, or be sad, because even those things are all incorporated into the design and plan of God, and all of it, even the hard things, are all helping us towards salvation and joy.

It's hard to feel that all the time, especially in the midst of a tough affliction, or when we realize how wrong and harmful that we have been to others. Even in those times though, God's promise is still true, and he offers us forgiveness if we repent and change, and renew our efforts to trust and follow Him.

Today, let's do our best to move along the line from letting go of our fear all the way to rejoicing. With God's help, we can find the joy even during the tough times. Let's pray and study, and find our way to God, who can help us understand, repent, and see the good around us.