Joy is God's purpose for us. We find joy as we prepare to return to His presence. Our reality is subjection to physical and spiritual death, which is a sort of obstacle to joy and our preparations. God, the Father's body is immortal, perfect, glorified immortal body of flesh and bones. As a result of the Fall of Adam, humans have imperfect, mortal bodies subject to death. Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer, allows for the possibility of a future existence with Heavenly Father in our own immortal, perfect, and glorified bodies of flesh and bone. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)(Helaman 14:15-19)(Alma 40:23)
Another obstacle that keeps us from becoming like our Father in Heaven and returning to His presence is sin. Mortality makes us subject to temptation and sin. Sin always leads to unhappiness. Yes, it seems that sinners prosper and have more fun. But what druggy is still having fun 20 years later? What thief is content with their spoils? How many dishonestly wealthy people are truly happy? Guilt and shame feel awful--sooner or later these affect all sinners. Without forgiveness and cleansing, redemption and sanctification, we are barred from from Heavenly Father's presence.(Alma 11:40)(2 Nephi 2:6-8)
Many mortal experiences bring happiness, while others bring pain and sorrow. Sometimes this pain and sorrow is caused by the sins of others. Although most of us would rather avoid pain and sorrow, they can lead to learning, growth, and choice. Jesus' Atonement allows us to overcome physical death AND avoid a second permanent spiritual death. (Moroni 7:27-28)(1 John 1:7)(Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-19)
