During the Prophet's brief stay in Missouri in the summer of 1831, he received revelations on many subjects. One subject that was touched upon twice was the charge to be of good cheer.
"And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, . . . with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance." (D&C 59:15.)Five days after this revelation was received, Section 61 was also given, which included:
"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you." (Verse 36.)
Regarding this injunction, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Council of the Twelve commented: "The true Christian, of course, does not see life as an easy passage. . . . With ultimate hope, however, we can live cheerfully amid proximate insecurity. Life is a test in which man must overcome by faith, walking on the strait and narrow path - which is surely no escalator - but the path is there! . . .
"Justice, love, mercy and truth will finally prevail in a universe presided over by a Lord who is a determined as well as a loving Tutor. This mortal school is one of which the Father and the Son have solemnly declared, `And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.' (Abr. 3:25.)
"The Lord knows how true individual development requires a setting of agency and opportunity. There is no other way." (Conference Report, April 1983.)