These uplifting thoughts are presented by Jacob to his fellow citizens who have been separated from their original homeland and from their murderous brothers to eke out an isolated existence in the wilderness of their afflictions. We can liken these passages to ourselves. Do we find joy and gladness in our mortal sojourn—despite the tribulation we might face? Do we raise our voices in thanksgiving to the Lord—despite every reversal we might encounter? Do we testify that the message of Isaiah is true—that the Lord, the Almighty, the Redeemer, is the enduring source of our joy and happiness—not the perishable and transitory things of this world? Do we rejoice that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only dependable and lasting source of comfort and vitality?