Richard G. Scott [Scott - Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy

Preface

The sole purpose of this book is to help you, or one you love, find peace with happiness and joy in an ever more challenging world. It is not a book about theory but truth. The counsel it contains is centered in revealed doctrine according to the best of my understanding. Many of the doctrinal foundations are cited in scriptural references, included in footnotes. The truth shared has been proven to be effective by those who have applied it in their personal lives. Its benefit has been repeatedly confirmed in my own personal life and that of my cherished wife, Jeanene. As you read, you will find that some important concepts are repeated. That is intentional. But I will use different examples to clarify those principles so you can understand and use them more easily.

I have written this book in true humility, having prayed and pondered to carefully prepare its content. I have made the effort to express my thoughts as clearly as I am able. I am also aware that unless you prayerfully seek confirmation of the content through the Holy Spirit, most of its value and meaning will be lost. Worse than that, there could develop some misunderstanding that might result in confusion or your misapplication of the gospel principles reviewed.

This book is written to help widely differing audiences. Should you find yourself in a pattern of life you neither enjoy nor want, these pages give suggestions that will lead to peace and happiness. Should you feel that you have made irreparable mistakes, you will learn how to overcome those challenges. This book will also be helpful to you who are living correct principles and desire to avoid the pitfalls of life. It can also serve as a resource to you who are struggling to help a loved one, perhaps a son or daughter, a companion in marriage, an extended family member or close friend who has wandered into errant paths. It describes how the Lord can aid any who are driven by destructive appetites or addictions, helping them begin to shake themselves free of those debilitating habits.

The chapters discuss doctrines and principles that have proven effective in transforming a life from tragic disappointment to one of peace and abounding joy. I have sought to write these things as though the two of us were alone together in an open and frank discussion of truth. Because of the varying nature of the challenges you may face, it is likely that not all counsel will personally apply to you. But I hope that every doctrine and principle reviewed will be of some benefit to you. Each chapter contains truths that are worthy of pondering, even if the specific circumstances do not apply to you.

I have made a conscious attempt to relate doctrine and its practical applications to differing circumstances. My desire was to increase, where needed, your depth of understanding of principles that will aid in your quest for peace and happiness. I have consciously repeated some important principles and scriptures. My intent is to encourage you to more fully use the direction the Lord has provided so that your earth life can be radiantly beautiful and extremely productive as you grow from the challenges you encounter. What is of value herein comes from the abundance of refreshing, ennobling truth the Lord has provided to His children personally or through His prophets not from the author. I alone am responsible for what is presented.

At critically important times in my life the Lord has made it possible for me to be oriented, guided, and immensely blessed by exceptional mentors. While I can't help you directly in that capacity, my prayer is that the following chapters may be as close to a mentoring experience as I can make it.

Much of the content of this book has been gleaned from lessons I have learned as I have made sincere efforts to help others find peace and happiness where before they have had lives of sorrow, discouragement, and anguish. As my beloved wife, Jeanene, and I lived together the principles emphasized in these chapters, we were richly blessed. Those principles provide me with even greater peace, happiness, and joy now that she is beyond the veil. May the Lord abundantly reward your obedience to His truth in like manner.

The Plan of Peace, Happiness, and Joy of the Father

Chapter 1

Purpose: To Find Peace with Happiness and Joy

As explained in more detail in the preface, the purpose of this book is to help you and others you love find true peace with enduring happiness and joy regardless of your circumstances in life.

What are peace, happiness, and joy? How can they be obtained in this mortal life? To what extent is it reasonable that one living in today's world of declining values, demoralizing influences, and uncertain future can expect to enjoy the blessings of peace, happiness, and joy?

The Savior taught:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

The peace that the Master has promised is much more than the absence of strife, turmoil, conflict, and contention. Its greatest blessing is realized in the life of an individual. Its absence is also felt most profoundly in the human mind and heart.

An example will illustrate the meaning of peace. I once had an experience that caused me immense anxiety. I was severely troubled. It had nothing to do with disobedience or transgression but with a vitally important human relationship. I was so overcome with concern that I did something I never do. I left my office early and went home to pray. For some time I poured my heart out to the Lord. Try as I might, I could find no solution, no settling of the powerful stirring within me. I pled for help from that Eternal Father I have come to know and trust completely. I could see no path that would provide the calm that is my blessing to generally enjoy. Sleep overcame me. When I awoke I was totally at peace. I knelt again in solemn prayer and asked, Lord, how is it done? In my heart, I knew the answer was His love and His concern for me. That is consummate peace.

Happiness has its roots in obedience to the teachings of the Lord and in faith in His capacity to fulfill His promises. It can be enjoyed in an environment of poverty or wealth, sickness or health, scarcity or abundance, serenity or challenge. Happiness can and should be the general background in which life is lived. It can provide strength and comfort when periods of challenge, sorrow, and disappointment are encountered, though we cannot expect that blessing when we are guilty of premeditated disobedience. Happiness and joy are often used interchangeably and will be repeatedly in this work. However, the scriptures confirm that joy can be so intense as to overcome entirely all other feelings. Such joy is a gift of God when fully merited. That singular joy is not often felt in life, while the happiness that comes through application of truth can be the predominant state in which we live.