To Be Of Good Cheer

I am a lucky girl.  I grew up in a cheerful home.  Of course, there were times of sadness and heartbreak, but for the most part my childhood home was filled with my dad's silly sense of fun, my mother's talent for cooking yummy foods, singing songs from musicals, celebrating gardens and food and  fun. Yup, I am a lucky girl.

The older I get, I have learned to appreciate this unique aspect of my family.  I have come to realize that not all families are cheerful.  In fact, it is rather rare and distinct.  And, I am grateful for being taught to see the glass half full, the sunshine midst the clouds, the lesson learned from adversity.  It has developed the ability to see the good in others, the good in life, the just plain good. 

So I seek good cheer.  I am filled with the spirit of hope as a result. 

Most importantly, the spirit of all that is good and happy and filled with love. 

Basically, the spirit of love. 

Marvin J. Ashton, “‘Be of Good Cheer’,” Ensign, May 1986, 66

Over the last number of weeks as I have contemplated this occasion, I have been strongly impressed to share some thoughts about the Lord’s invitation to “be of good cheer”—yes, to be of good cheer without fear. With world conditions of riots, protests, arms buildups, wars and rumors of war, mistrust, poverty, disappointments, terrorism, tragedies, etc., there has never been a period in history when there is a greater need to accept another of the Lord’s eternal promises.

“Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” (D&C 68:5–6.)

Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy. Some like to think good cheer is found in a bottle, a six-pack, an injection, a pinch under the lip, rationalization, or self-deceit. Incidentally, it has been my observation over the years that those who try to drown their sorrows with drink only sicken their tomorrows. With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light.

Recently, while visiting with a wife who had suddenly lost a husband through a tragic death, I was touched by this lovely lady from Washington, Utah, when she said, “My heart is heavy and sad, but my soul is of good cheer.” There was a powerful inward cheer dominating the sorrowful situation. The promise, “for I the Lord am with you,” was triumphing over heartache and despair. People of good cheer soften the sorrow of others as well as those that weigh mightily upon themselves.

None of us will escape tragedy and suffering. Each of us will probably react differently. However, if we can recall the Lord’s promise, “for I the Lord am with you,” we will be able to face our problems with dignity and courage. We will find the strength to be of good cheer instead of becoming resentful, critical, or defeated. We will be able to meet life’s unpleasant happenings with clear vision, strength, and power.

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He promises to stand by us. He invites us to bear record and witness of him. 

What a joy and honor it is for me to declare in good cheer and without fear that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, that he was the Only Begotten of the Father, that he is, and that he will yet come again in God’s name. I thank God for the Savior’s life, his cheerful love, and his example. 

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” (1 Jn. 4:18.)

To all mankind everywhere I cheerfully testify that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He will sustain us now and forever if we will walk in his paths, be of good cheer, and not fear. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.