By Camille Fronk Olson

Associate Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University

speeches.byu.edu.


Challenges have always been part of mortality and God's plan for our growth. Through the power of the Atonement, we can still "be of good cheer."

To the paralytic man lying helpless on a bed, Jesus proclaimed, "Be of good cheer" (D&C 61:36). In each instance the people had every reason to be anxious, fearful, and hopeless, yet the Lord directed them toward a reason to rejoice.

How does the Lord's admonition of cheer sound in our world today? When economic uncertainties, terrorist threats, and corruption provide top stories for the evening news, how can the good news of the gospel intervene? When we experience personal loss in so many ways and on so many days, what is left to be cheerful about?