Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy

Rate this book
The gospel offers us the unmatched gifts of peace, happiness, and joy, but often these promised blessings seem elusive. In his long-anticipated book, Elder Scott powerfully outlines the truths we need to understand and embrace in order to experience these gifts. You'll appreciate the encouragement, practical advice, and profound apostolic counsel from this trusted mentor.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

85 people are currently reading
1163 people want to read

About the author

Richard G. Scott

7 books28 followers
Richard Gordon Scott was sustained an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 October 1988. He was called as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on 2 April 1977, and served as a member of the presidency of that quorum from 1 October 1983, until his present calling.

He graduated from George Washington University as a mechanical engineer, served a full-time mission to Uruguay, and worked in the naval and land based fields of nuclear energy.

Elder Scott lived most of his childhood in Washington, D.C. He married Jeanene Watkins on 16 July 1953 in the Manti Temple. She passed away 15 May 1995. They are the parents of seven children.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
574 (64%)
4 stars
208 (23%)
3 stars
77 (8%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Brett.
35 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2008
Have you ever wished that you could sit and talk to an apostle one on one about the things that really concern you?

That's how you'll feel when you read this book. The truth is that peace, happiness, and joy are available to all of us if we learn how to live for it and receive it when it comes.

When you read this book, free your mind and open your heart and you will learn more than you ever thought.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,364 reviews39 followers
March 15, 2017
I listened to this on CD so it's possible that on quotes, I may have made small errors...but typically I listened to the quote at least twice to try to get it correct.

One insight that I hadn't heard or understood before: In Doctrine and Covenants 50: 22 it says, "Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another and both are edified and rejoice together." Elder Scott explained that understanding refers specifically to the words spoken aloud in the class. Edification refers to the words spoken to the individual by the Holy Ghost, the personalized message that the Lord wants them to receive. Encouraging participation allows the Holy Ghost to better edify the participant AND helps the teacher's words to be better understood and retained. *I knew that both of these things can happen when we teach by the spirit, but I'd never heard or exactly understood the differentiation between understanding and edifying.

He also referred to D&C 9 where it talks about a stupor of thought and a burning of the bosom. He described a stupor of thought as being the feeling you get when others are trying to persuade you to participate in something that you absolutely know is wrong...that feeling of confusion, discomfort, even disgust. You won't actually forget what you had been praying for, but it is a sign that you should forget about acting in that way or following that course because it is wrong. He described the burning in the bosom feeling to be the feeling you get when you know it is time for you to bear your testimony...that may feel different to different people but that is what the burning of the bosom feels like.

I like this quote from David O. McKay that he shared: "Every person who lives in this world wields an influence, whether for good or for evil. It is not what he says alone, it is not alone what he does. It is what he is. Every man, every person radiates what he or she is. Every person is a recipient of radiation. The Savior was conscious of that. Whenever he came into the presence of an individual, he sensed that radiation—whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers. He was conscious of the radiation from the individual. And to a degree so are you, and so am I. It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us."

He said something like...All success in life can be measured by how completely you are able to do the Lord's will for you.

Perhaps my very favorite quote: "To the degree that our service is motivated by "want to" or "get to" desires rather than "have to" compulsions, we will find joy."

Brigham Young said (and Elder Scott quoted): "God never bestows upon his people superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them."

It is what you do and what you think about that determines who you are and who you are becoming.

He gave some great insights on studying the scriptures and also on expressing gratitude. I really loved the letter he shared from a father to his daughter serving a mission.

I love this story he shared: The highlands of Guatemala is an area of extreme poverty and subsistence living where it takes a year of preparation and great sacrifice to travel to the temple. They must save money, sew clothing, and make a long journey. A highland woman entered the temple...and spent 20 minutes with her head bowed, crying. When a temple worker asked if she could help the woman, the woman replied gratefully, "Oh yes, could you?" She then replied that she had been praying to express her gratitude to her Heavenly Father but she didn't feel like she had adequately expressed how she felt. She asked if the temple worker could help her tell God that she was so thankful for all that she had. (Why is it sometimes hard for me to feel that type of gratitude when I have so much?)

He compared us to a symphony. (Some of this might just have been what I took from it, my own thoughts, and not totally from his analogy but the analogy has been a very powerful one for me. I hope I am not in any way misrepresenting what he said.) In a symphony there is a conductor and the conductor knows the piece of music very well. He is guiding each instrument, each player, to come in at the right time, to perform his/her piece correctly, etc. The conductor understands how all of the different instruments work together to create this beautiful music. God is like that conductor. He knows exactly what we need to be doing and how to guide us. In addition, hearing just a violin or just a flute is beautiful, but it's even more beautiful when these instruments play in harmony to create the magnificent whole. Similarly, each of us has our own unique purpose, our own unique contribution to make. We wouldn't want to leave out a section of instruments in the symphony, they are all necessary to create the best music. So, too, each of us...with our unique talents and gifts combine to make this world a better place and to bless others' lives in a specific and necessary way.
I also really liked how he would teach concepts and then would distill all the counsel into specific statements of principle.

Here are most of those statements of principle. (As I listened to this on CD, I may have missed a few. I did my very best to get the statements correct but may have made small errors in wording.) Following these principles will allow us to find peace, happiness, and joy.

"Throughout the remainder of my life I will consistently strive to learn by what I hear, see and feel. I will write down the important things I learn and I will do them."

"The challenges we face, the growth experiences we encounter should be like temporary scenes played out on a stage of continuing peace and happiness."
Profile Image for Kimberly.
33 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2008
Ever since finishing this book, I've been recommending it to all of my friends and many of my clients. It's one of the best Church books I've read. Elder Scott's only book, it is an uplifting, spiritual feast. In this book is distilled a lifetime of knowledge, personal insight, and experience. I especially love the many personal experiences he shares. Very touching, motivating, humbling, and faith-building.
I had a hard time putting it down and, when I was finished, was sad that the journey was over!
1 review
February 13, 2008
This book truly gives you the eternal perspective on our Heavenly Fathers Plan of Happiness and Satans desire to destroy it through getting to us. Richard G. Scott is an eloquent and powerful writer. His words make you truly think. I had to take notes so i wouldnt forget. He shares some very personal, touching experiences that make me feel such a bond with him. Like he is right here talking with me rather than writing a book. Its a book that wonderfully paints the steps to having joy and peace in this world.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
457 reviews
March 26, 2020
I always love and appreciate listening to audiobooks that are read by the author, especially religious books. Elder Scott truly was a gentle giant.
Profile Image for Nathan Hale.
120 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2021
The book helped me with exactly what it said it would ☺️
Profile Image for Kimberly.
490 reviews
February 5, 2023
Long and very comprehensive. Easy to get lost in all of the information.
Profile Image for LaSchelle.
202 reviews
January 30, 2008
A great workbook to help you realize how much God loves you. If offers so much hope and wonderful ideas to help lead a better, more fulfilling life.

I loved how honest and open he was. I felt like I was sitting down with a grandfather and having a fireside chat where he wanted to pour out all his life wisdom.
Profile Image for Josi.
Author 82 books2,047 followers
February 4, 2013
This is an amazing book, packed full of sometimes-overwhelming reminders of how true peace, happiness and Joy can be found. I've been reading it here and there for, oh, about a year.
Profile Image for Kim.
224 reviews
April 27, 2015
I don't usually read this type of book, and it took me a long time to get through it, but it had so many gems, that there are parts I will continue to go back to! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Ren.
269 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2016
I admire this man so much. He lived and died testifying that Christ is our Savior. And he was so keen on helping people figure out their own relationship with the Savior.
Profile Image for Kristen.
515 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2019
When he was alive, Richard G. Scott was always one of my favorite conference speakers, so I was looking forward to his book. The same warmth and sense of genuine concern and caring that I loved while he was alive shone through brilliantly on every page.

This book contained lots of new material and wasn't just a compilation of past addresses as so many doctrinal books seem to be. He showed sincere care as he addressed specific, vulnerable groups, such as those struggling with mental illness, those with eating disorders, past and present victims of abuse, those who are dealing with loss, and those who have suffered and continue to struggle in any way.

Though nothing in the book was earth-shattering, there was a lot of original thought, and much for me to contemplate going forward. I particularly enjoyed his emphasis on Christ-centered mediation and on focused affirmations, both practices that have helped me find peace in my life. I hope to revisit this book again and again as a valuable resource for a better life.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Sometime soon you may benefit from taking a personal inventory in a quiet place, noting how well you know and are following the will of the Lord in your life ... Find a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life."

"Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power--the power of God or the capacity to do what one has been instructed to accomplish."

"Revelation will probably never come unless it is desired. I think few people receive revelations while lounging on a couch ... I believe most revelations would come when a man is on his tip toes, reaching as high as he can for something which he knows he needs, and then there bursts upon him the answers to his problems." (Actually a quote by Spencer W. Kimball)

"Once, I saw a sheet of paper that had thirty-seven suggestions of what a mother should do or should be. I thought, a woman does not need that guilt trip. Tear it up. Just be your best selves." (I love this)

"Knowledge, carefully recorded, is knowledge, available in time of need."

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses, applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion. Such testing will polish you for your everlasting benefit."

"Discover how a clean, neat, quiet place can enhance spiritual direction in your life."

"Don't judge yourself by what you understand of your potential. Trust in the Lord and what He can do with your dedicated heart and willing mind."

"Order your life more effectively, and eliminate trivial and meaningless details and activity; they waste the perishable, fixed, and limited resources of time. Choose to emphasize those matters that have eternal consequence."

"Rationalization would lead you down blind alleys. It can take you from the path of happiness, because it distorts your understanding of truth."

"Do not be overcome by concentrating solely on today, its challenges, difficulties, and opportunities ... so as to consume your life ... weave into your soul, the recognition that your life now is a part of a much bigger plan the Lord has for you."

Profile Image for Emily.
1,340 reviews92 followers
May 24, 2024
This book was referenced multiple times in another book on receiving revelation, so I decided to go to the source and read this one as well. Elder Scott addresses many aspects of obtaining enduring peace and joy, which to me centered on connecting to God and serving others (although so much more is discussed). I especially love Elder Scott’s focus on recording impressions of the Spirit to help us remember, act on, and receive more revelation. “I believe that we often leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because we do not respond to, record, and apply the first prompting that come to us” p. 46. I also appreciated the reminder to create periods of quiet to hear/feel the voice of the Lord (something I consistently need to be reminded of). While there are a lot of good principles discussed, I wish it also acknowledged some nuance, when things don’t neatly work in the ideal manner.

Some favorite quotes:

-“A key to increased spiritual guidance is to learn to ask the right questions in prayer. Consider how you can change from asking the Lord so often for the things you want to honestly asking what he wants for you.” p. 52

-“The greatest comfort in this life…is having a close relationship with God.” President McKay p.81

“Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances the likelihood of receiving further light. P. 87

-“Don’t judge yourself by what you understand of your potential. Trust in the Lord and what He can do with your dedicated heart and willing mind.” p. 103

-“Optimism can be an expression of faith in Jesus Christ and His promises.” p. 169

-“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called children of God…and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.” -Elder Orson F. Whitney p. 190

-“Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” D&C 88:68

-Something to add to my language study: “There is a related phenomenon that I don’t completely understand but have come to know is true. Somehow reading, listening to, and repeating aloud passages of scripture accelerates learning another language.”
Profile Image for Doug.
821 reviews
January 5, 2020
My sister gave this book to me a few months ago. I've been reading it in pieces and finally finished it. I've found I tend to take longer to read when I'm reading what I feel are deep, challenging subjects. This was definitely one such book - presenting what was, for me, wonderful spiritual challenges and advice.

Richard Scott served as a member of the quorum of twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All of the apostles are frequent speakers and also have opportunity to publish books. Some publish lots, some a few or not at all. Richard Scott falls into the 'few' category with this one being his only book.

It seemed to me as if he were trying to distill into written form a summary of the important concepts he had learned during his time in trying seek after and serve the Lord. He tried to not just present his own experiences, although certainly there is some of that, but tried to set down general principles that could be more generally used by everyone.

The early sections on seeking after the Holy Ghost were especially excellent for me but I can see other sections providing equally treasured advice at different points in my life.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Skye Lauren.
298 reviews30 followers
January 20, 2020
If you are looking for another self help book to just tell you all the amazing things about yourself and validate that you are just fine the way you are, this isn’t the book for you. This book truly gives patterns and ideas of things we can do to find peace, happiness, and joy. That often includes bettering ourselves and disciplining ourselves in righteous ways. It often includes putting off the natural man and working with the Lord to spiritually stretch ourselves and our capacity. In other words, it often requires work. Elder Scott does a marvelous job of mapping out the things in life that will provide more peace, happiness and joy. He gives us excellent patterns and ideas to create more holy habits to bring the Spirit of the Lord into our lives.

I really loved this book. I feel motivated to make better goals and continue trying to bring myself closer to the Lord. I’m grateful that this book was straight forward, and that the author did not sugar coat the truth. I definitely recommend this to those that are searching to truly better themselves.
52 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2022
It is a very complete book that covers a variety of topics of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a strong apostolic witness with advice that is timeless. Whether you're in a good spot and your spiritual flame is burning bright or you're struggling, and the flame is barely visible, this book will give you the knowledge, understanding, and peace that you're seeking. What I most appreciated were personal examples Elder Scott gave that resonated with me and validated my own experience. Through such books, leaders of the Church feel closer and more human, and that in itself strengthens my testimony
Profile Image for Matt.
383 reviews
February 28, 2022
I learned lessons about finding peace, particularly I learned that focusing on what is good and beautiful around us and trying to create good and beautiful things can bring strong feelings of satisfaction, contentment, happiness, and peace. Ultimately, peace comes from the Prince of Peace, if we will put our faith in Him.
Profile Image for Brandon.
611 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2017
I loved the content of this book! Great ideas and principles for finding peace and happiness. I had a difficult time following the structure of the book, which seemed to weave back on itself regularly. Still, this was a great read/listen.
Profile Image for Melissa.
548 reviews
February 3, 2019
Elder Scott is one of my favorite apostles. I listened to the audiobook and loved listening to him speak. He shares his thoughts humbly and sincerely. Some anecdotes have been shared before but it was interesting to hear his perspectives on many different topics.
739 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2021
I am going to return to this one as a physical book, rather than an audio cd. He has a very hypnotically soothing voice (and one that would keep fading away, so I had to keep messing with the volume) and I know I didn't absorb nearly as much as I would have liked to.
Profile Image for Amanda.
637 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
Some of this book was really uplifting and helpful and other parts made me raise my eyebrows. I copied down many quotes and then found other parts I didn’t completely align with. Worth the read if you can take it with a grain of salt.
Profile Image for Joseph.
28 reviews
December 1, 2017
I Loved this book. I love the author. I found this book worth the read, but it has its dry spells.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,340 reviews21 followers
November 28, 2018
Inspiring; and when you listen to it on CD, it's like receiving counsel directly from the an Apostle of the Lord.
Profile Image for Denice.
527 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2019
I listened to this book over a couple of years. Read by the writer himself. So sweet and uplifting.
Profile Image for Jason Burt.
614 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2019
A very heart felt book from Elder Scott of things he learned throughout his life that helped him find peace and happiness. Love reading the personal writings of the prophets and apostles!
Profile Image for Daryl.
326 reviews
July 10, 2019
I was very touched by this book. It was very realistic and easy to understand and found simply ways that I could improve and make my life more meaningful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.