Today I listened to Elder Hales talk from the most recent general conference, Joy and Spiritual Survival. He showed how Christ used hope for the future to find joy in the moment — in fact, in the moment of the most grief and pain possible…

Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!

And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home—clean and worthy—to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.

His hope for our future salvation helped him endure the present suffering! Sometimes I’ve thought that focusing on the future was a cheap way to find joy in the present, but if it’s good enough for Christ, it’s good enough for me :) My HWN today was understanding more of Christ’s example.