Fear can inhibit our reception of light. God emphasized that point twice in Doctrine and Covenants 67. The remedy, as Alma's people learned is to (1) remember God's love for us, (2) intentionally calm our fears, and (3) pray for divine help. Faith in Jesus Christ can help us hush our fears and receive light.
“Joy and Gladness”
The Lord asked Martin Harris if he could read His words without rejoicing. This is a good question for all of us. Can you find joy in the gospel? Are you artificially inhibiting that joy? How would your life be different if you allowed yourself to feel all that God wants you to feel?
Who Can Stand?
The Jaredites cried, "Who can stand before the army of Shiz." God warned the ancient Israelites not to say things like that, because the answer is simple: He can. With God as an ally, no obstacle is insuperable and no person is invincible.
Mourning
Jesus said, "Blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Mourning is an expression of love. When we open our hearts to others, we feel their sorrow, and we miss them when they are gone. Mourning is an integral part of love.
Exquisite
Alma described his pain and his joy using the same word: exquisite, which means "in the highest degree." Lehi taught that we cannot feel joy if we feel no misery. Maybe our sorrows expand our hearts, making room for us to feel more joy.
Uninhibited Joy
Ammon was overwhelmed by joy when he and his brothers were reunited with Alma. We need to govern our emotions but not stifle them. Some emotions are meant to be felt fully, without reservations or bashfulness. God is pleased when we feel pure joy.
Targets of Rage
Anger is a primal emotion. It seeks a target, but it begins with pain. The stories of Lamoni's father and the unbelieving Lamanites illustrate that the target of our anger can change. It is better to calm our anger rather than act on it.
The Joy of the Saints
Enos prayed all day long because of his father's words about "the joy of the saints." He must have detected a gap between that description and his own experience. God created us to be joyful, and His gospel can bring the greatest happiness into our lives.
Living After the Manner of Happiness
Nephi listed a number of his people did which helped them to live "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5:27). Some of those activities involved family, work, and temple worship. God wants us to participate in activities which will bring us happiness.
No Fear in Love
John says, "There is no fear in love." Therefore: 1. When we love, we are more confident. 2. When we feel loved, we are less likely to be anxious. We particularly need to establish an environment of love in our homes, so family members feel secure.