Elder Richard G. Scott on changing our life with God's help

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"Your exercise of faith permits you to call upon the strength of the Lord when you need it. Obedience to His commandments allows that help to be given. The power of God will come into your life because of your faithful obedience to His commandments.

"Don’t live your life in despair, feeling sorry for yourself because of the mistakes you have made. Let the sunshine in by doing the right things—now. (See 1 Ne. 22:26.)

"It may be difficult to begin, but pick up the scriptures and immerse yourself in them. Look for favorite passages. Lean on the Master’s teachings, on His servants’ testimonies. Refresh your parched soul with the word of God. (See 2 Ne. 4:15–16.) The scriptures will give you comfort and the strength to overcome. (See Hel. 3:29–30.)...

"To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done.

"Don’t confront your problem armed with only your own experience, understanding, and strength. Count on the infinite power of the Lord by deciding now to be obedient to His teachings. (See 2 Ne. 31:19–21.)"

- Richard G. Scott, "Finding the Way Back," General Conference, April 1990
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Elder Scott was often sensitive to those confronting challenges or frustrations in life. This talk focused on inviting those with such challenges, particularly the ones resulting from the bad choices made by the individual, to return to a path of peace and obedience.

Obedience is a critical step in finding peace, because as a person faithfully obeys, "the power of God will come into your life." Choosing to obey is allowing the sunshine to return to a dark and dreary place.

Another key is to "immerse" ourselves in reading the scriptures and the testimonies of inspired leaders. That act will bring refreshment to the "parched soul."

But it is important to recognize that change requires effort, commitment, and sacrifice—and divine help:

We should be very grateful to know that God will always help us as we turn to Him in faithfulness and willingness. His "infinite power" can help overcome any obstacle.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)