Nearly every time the Lord says in scripture some version of “be cheerful” it’s connected to some version of “I’m with you.” Cheer isn’t found in our circumstances, it’s found in faith and trust that as He says,
He is with us.
He has overcome the world.
He will lead us along.
This week’s “Come Follow Me” lesson which includes D&C 78:18 is another of those promises. Recently our prophet has given us a similar message, tailored just for us, he says:
“My dear sisters, we have so much to look forward to! The Lord placed you here now because He knew you had the capacity to negotiate the complexities of the latter part of these latter days. He knew you would grasp the grandeur of His work and be eager to help bring it to pass.
I am not saying that the days ahead will be easy, but I promise you that the future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.”
Again, not cheerful because of circumstances (President Nelson admits they won’t be easy) but in the promise that the Lord is with us. That He will be with us as we prepare ourselves and our families.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. …” (D&C 78:17-18)