Can You Know Joy Without Sorrow?

In this Anchor Point, we study Elder Matthew S. Holland’s General Conference talk Forsake Not Your Own Mercy and explore the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, trials, faith, repentance, and finding joy through hardship in God’s plan of happiness.We discuss why having a testimony of the Fall is essential to understanding God’s purpose for mortality and how pain, opposition, and weakness help us access deeper joy through Jesus Christ.Together, we explore how resisting trials can delay healing—and how trusting the Savior allows His mercy to meet us right where we are. Christ is ready and willing to strengthen us through His Atonement, offering peace, perspective, and hope.We also reflect on how adversity deepens gratitude for health and blessings and prepares us to become a Zion people—ready to build God’s kingdom and welcome the Savior.If you are struggling, seeking spiritual clarity, or longing to feel God’s mercy more fully, this episode will remind you that His grace is available now—and that every trial can refine you for greater joy.0:00 — Why We All Need Jesus Christ0:08 — Studying “Forsake Not Your Own Mercy” (General Conference)0:26 — Why the Fall Is Necessary for Joy0:43 — Building a Testimony of the Fall1:09 — Learning Compassion Through Personal Trials1:55 — Seeing Pain Through the Atonement2:20 — Gratitude After Sickness and Loss3:26 — Why Opposition Helps Us Feel Joy3:47 — The Plan of Happiness Explained4:02 — Our Bodies, Trials, and Turning to Christ4:19 — Feeling God’s Presence Through Scripture and Temple Worship4:44 — Second Nephi 9 and Seeing God4:58 — Enoch and Becoming a Zion People5:10 — Covenant Confidence Through Christ5:18 — Eve’s Choice and God’s Plan of Redemption5:46 — Mercy Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ5:55 — Stay Anchored in Christ