President James E. Faust on the value of temple attendance

President James E. Faust (1920 - 2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"I owe my text to Elder Marion G. Romney, who, at a Brigham Young University devotional in 1955, stated: 'Now there are those among us who are trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil.' This is a contradiction of terms....

"Today many of us are trying to serve two masters—the Lord and our own selfish interests—without offending the devil. The influence of God, our Eternal Father, urges us, pleads us, and inspires us to follow him. In contrast the power of Satan urges us to disbelieve and disregard God's commandments....

"I now come to some even milder forms of trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil. Having a temple recommend and not using it seems mild enough. However, if we live close to a temple, perhaps having a temple recommend but not using it may not offend the devil. Satan is offended when we use that recommend, going to the temple to partake of the spiritual protection it affords. How often do we plan to go to the temple, only to have all kinds of hindrances arise to stop us from going? The devil always has been offended by our temple worship. As President Brigham Young once said about the building of temples, there are Saints who say, '"I do not like to do it, for we never began to build a temple without the bells of hell beginning to ring."' His answer was, 'I want to hear them ring again. All the tribes of hell will be on the move, if we uncover the walls of this temple' (DBY 410)."

- James E Faust, "Serving the Lord and Resisting the Devil," Ensign, September 1995, p. 5
Click here to read the full article

The premise of President Faust's message was that you can't serve God without offending the adversary. Their plans and programs are in direct opposition, and there's no way to straddle the border and be a little on both sides!

One of the key areas President Faust chose to illustrate this point related to temple service and attendance. He believed that having a temple recommend, and using it, would always be offending Satan; but he would be pleased if we weren't using the recommend we possess. And if we're not actively offending the devil, we're probably not doing things right! And even more, we're denying ourselves "the spiritual protection it affords" when we do attend.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 27, 2015

President Howard W. Hunter on faith in God during adversity and disappointment

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"At various times in our lives, probably at repeated times in our lives, we do have to acknowledge that God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see. 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord' (Isa. 55:8).

"If you have troubles at home with children who stray, if you suffer financial reverses and emotional strain that threaten your homes and your happiness, if you must face the loss of life or health, may peace be unto your soul. We will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Our detours and disappointments are the straight and narrow path to Him, as we sing in one of our favorite hymns:

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
 My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
 The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
 Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
 ('How Firm a Foundation,' Hymns, 1985, no. 85)

"May God bless us in the ups and downs of life, in the opening and closing of doors."

- Howard W. Hunter, "The Opening and Closing of Doors," Ensign, Nov. 1987, 54
Click here to read the full talk

"God knows what we do not know." Why is that so hard for us sometimes to remember? When we are confronted by trials or challenges, we too often forget that God is still in charge and has not forgotten us. President Hunter reminds us that we don't have to deal with any of these situations in a spiritual vacuum:

• Children who stray
• Personal financial reverses and the resulting emotional strain
• Loss of life or of health

We could add many more of life's challenges to that list, and the answer would be the same: "Our detours and disappointments are the straight and narrow path to Him." That seems a bit ironic, that a detour could be part of the straight path. But we must always trust that God is in charge and will ultimately bring all things to good on our behalf, if we trust in him and his all-sufficient grace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
November 14, 2015

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on dealing with adversity

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.  This excerpt is from one of his most memorable talks.

"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

"There may be some who think that General Authorities rarely experience pain, suffering, or distress. If only that were true. While every man and woman on this stand today has experienced an abundant measure of joy, each also has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.

"For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.

"How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother's words often came back to me: 'Come what may, and love it.'

"How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't—at least not in the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don't think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008, pp. 26-28
Click here to read the full talk

I always appreciate wise, personal counsel more than abstract encouragement. Elder Wirthlin speaks from the heart of his own times when "the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear." Like so many others, he passed through times of challenge in his life; and so did the other Church leaders whom we often think are immune to the normal problems of life.

And then he addresses how we confront those "shadows" amid the journeys of our lives, the times when "the birds don't sing and bells don't ring." Having had my share of those as well, I'm grateful for this reminder about approaching adversity wisely, and "learning from difficult times" in order to become "stronger, wiser, and happier."

The talk is a modern classic; the phrase "come what may, and love it" is such a memorable one. We will be happiest when we learn to appreciate any situation and make the best of it.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
June 11, 2015

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on understanding adversity in life

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.  This excerpt is from one of his most memorable talks.

"I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.

"As we look for humor, seek for the eternal perspective, understand the principle of compensation, and draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can endure hardship and trial. We can say, as did my mother, 'Come what may, and love it.'"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," General Conference October 2008
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a summary of Elder Wirthlin's classic talk, "Come What May, and Love It." I was touched by his faith and perspective; it takes a deep faith to believe that adversity "can be a blessing in our lives" as we respond to it properly. But we have to "learn to love it."

As he shared in his talk, Elder Wirthlin summarizes some of the keys to understanding the role of adversity in life:

• find humor even in challenges
• know that there is compensation for suffering
• stay close to our Father in Heaven

With those attitudes, we will truly understand the role of adversity and be able to say with Elder Wirthlin, "Come what may, and love it."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on having a proper perspective on adversities

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"I recall a memorable lesson I learned from Chicago Daily News columnist Sydney J. Harris. He wrote:

"I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn’t even acknowledge it.
"'A sullen fellow, isn’t he?' I commented.
"'Oh, he’s that way every night,' shrugged my friend.
"'Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?' I asked.
"'Why not?' inquired my friend. 'Why should I let him decide how I’m going to act?'
"As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me that the important word was act. My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance that is lacking in most of us; he knows who he is, what he stands for, how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his conduct. ['Do You Act—Or React?' condensed from the Chicago Daily News]

"I like that example because it challenges each of us to focus our attention on the individual responses each of us must make to the individual personal adversities that are sure to hound us throughout our lives. Our responses will inevitably shape our souls and ultimately determine our status in eternity.

"We can take comfort in the fact that because opposition is divinely decreed for the purpose of helping man to grow, we have the assurance of God that in the long view of eternity, opposition will not be allowed to overcome us. We will prevail. Like the mortal life of which they are a part, adversities are temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to them."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Adversity," BYU Devotional January 17, 1995
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The story President Oaks quotes from Sydney Harris is one that has been quoted a number of times by speakers in our various meetings. It presents a great message, summarized in the title of the article from which it was taken: do we act, or react? Do we use our agency to pursue the course we think is right, including how we behave, how we treat others, how our moods and attitudes are determined? Or do we allow outside influences to unduly modify or manipulate our responses and choices? It's a great message to ponder.

And more specifically, President Oaks applies that concept to the adversities that will come to us in life. We can allow them to manipulate and demoralize us, or we can keep them in perspective and rise above them:

What a great and important thought: adversities are temporary, but what we become through how we respond to them is permanent.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President James E. Faust on the Savior's message of hope and deliverance

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The Divine Shepherd has a message of hope, strength, and deliverance for all. If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless.

"When we pluck the roses, we find we often cannot avoid the thorns which spring from the same stem.

"Out of the refiner’s fire can come a glorious deliverance. It can be a noble and lasting rebirth. The price to become acquainted with God will have been paid. There can come a sacred peace. There will be a reawakening of dormant, inner resources. A comfortable cloak of righteousness will be drawn around us to protect us and to keep us warm spiritually. Self-pity will vanish as our blessings are counted."

- James E. Faust, "The Refiner's Fire," General Conference, April 1979
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The gospel of Jesus Christ truly does provide "a message of hope, strength, and deliverance for all." There is hope for the eventual resolution of all concerns and trials; strength to endure while we prepare, and deliverance from evil and from suffering.

But yet, the challenges are part of the plan, as President Faust points out. They enable us to appreciate the blessings of God more fully. Our adversities are often part of His hand in our lives as well, as "They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless." It takes faith to comprehend that great truth.

And this is the great promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ: there is "a glorious deliverance" that will surely come. What a sacred blessing to have this hope within!

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

President Harold B. Lee on light shining in darkness

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"I was at Manti, Utah, some years ago. As we came out of the Saturday night leadership meeting, there was a heavy snowstorm. As we drove to the home of the stake president, he stopped his car and turned back to the temple hill. There the lighted temple was standing majestically. We sat there in silence for a few moments, inspired by the sight of that beautiful, sacred place. He said, 'You know, Brother Lee, that temple is never more beautiful than in times of a dense fog or in times of a heavy, severe storm.'

"Just so, never is the gospel of Jesus Christ more beautiful than in times of intense need, or in times of a severe storm within us as individuals, or in times of confusion and turmoil."

- Harold B. Lee, "A Blessing for the Saints," General Conference, October 1972
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I love lessons taught with powerful analogies and imagery. President Lee's story of seeing the Manti temple shining through a snowstorm is a great example. The temple is the perfect focus for this analogy, since it's the source of so much that we find meaningful and important. Storms that would attempt to obscure it or hide its beauty only emphasize the inherent power of the structure, and all that it represents.

The extension of the analogy to the rest of the gospel provides food for thought. When we feel those times of need or challenge, especially the "intense" ones, and are surrounded by "confusion and turmoil" by the circumstances of mortality, we know we have somewhere to turn that will give us light and hope. Having a solid foundation of understanding before the "severe storm" comes makes all the difference in how we are able to draw on the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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

Elder Richard G. Scott on help in the challenges of life

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.

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Prov. 3:11–12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.

"When you face adversity, you can be led to ask many questions. Some serve a useful purpose; others do not. To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial?

"Willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God is very hard to do. Yet, when you pray with real conviction, 'Please let me know Thy will' and 'May Thy will be done,' you are in the strongest position to receive the maximum help from your loving Father."

- Ruchard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord," General Conference, October 1995
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott spoke on a number of occasions about the trials and challenges that confront us in life. Sometimes those difficulties come as a result of our own bad choices and disobedience; but in this excerpt he discusses another reason: a loving Father may be recognizing a need for us to grow and change, and providing a process to do that:

It's interesting to note that the kind of change that will "stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion" and bring about real change in our character and in our life often "requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." Some growth comes slowly, gradually, almost imperceptibly; but the kind of progress Elder Scott is discussing requires more dramatic and painful transition to achieve.

So how do we respond when the "challenges... come in multiple doses applied simultaneously"? I loved the two alternative approaches Elder Scott identifies, based on the kinds of questions we ask about our experiences. Are we questioning and doubting, or are we trusting with faith that God is in charge? Learning to truly trust Him in every way, at all times, is a key to peace and confidence even in the midst of challenges. We must learn to offer "willing sacrifice of deeply held personal desires in favor of the will of God," knowing that He is aware of us and leading us to a better position.

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

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on facing the storms and challenges in life

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"We can’t always control the storms that life puts in our path. Sometimes things simply don’t go our way. We may feel shaken and blown about by the turbulence of disappointment, doubt, fear, sadness, or stress.

"During those times, it is easy to get caught up in everything that is going wrong and to make our troubles the center of our thoughts. The temptation is to focus on the trials we are facing instead of on the Savior and our testimony of truth.

"But that is not the best way to navigate through our challenges in life.

"Just as an experienced pilot keeps his focus not on the storm but on the center of the runway and the correct touchdown point, so too should we keep our focus on the center of our faith—our Savior, His gospel, and the plan of our Heavenly Father—and on our ultimate goal—to return safely to our heavenly destination. We should trust God and make staying on the track of discipleship the focus of our efforts. We should keep our eyes, heart, and mind focused on living the way we know we should.

"Showing our faith and trust in Heavenly Father by joyfully keeping His commandments will bring us happiness and glory. And if we stay on the path, we will get through any turbulence—no matter how strong it may appear—and return safely to our heavenly home."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Landing Safely in Turbulence," Ensign, February 2016, pp. 4-5
Click here to read the full article

President Uchtdorf suggests that we "can't always control the storms that life puts in our path." We rarely, if ever, choose to have those storms (unless the choice is born from ignorance of the results of our actions). But storms are a part of life, and though we may pray to always have clear weather and sunshine-filled days, that won't happen. Sometimes the storms will come, and sometimes they come when it is least convenient or most disruptive.

The challenge is to control how we react to the storms when we feel "blown about by the turbulence of disappointment, doubt, fear, sadness, or stress." It's easy and natural to focus on the storm and its impact. But the better choice is to focus "on the Savior and our testimony of the truth."

By learning to keep our focus on "the center of our faith" even in times of adverse conditions and challenges, we are doing the only thing that will make a difference—not avoiding the storm or even hanging on desperately until it passes, but making ourselves strong to get through the storm in all the best ways, learning and growing not in spite of the storms but because of them.

A great key is to be found "joyfully keeping His commandments" regardless of the surrounding challenges; that is what ultimately will bring happiness and peace, and a safe return to our heavenly home.

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

President Joseph F. Smith on finding the rest of the Lord in this life

President Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) was the son of Joseph's brother Hyrum. He was ordained an apostle in 1866 at age 28, and served as a counselor to Brigham Young and the three presidents who followed.  He became the 6th president of the Church in 1901, and served until his death in 1918 at age 80.

"The particular part that I wish to call your attention to is that which refers to 'entering into the rest of the Lord' (see Moro 7:3.); not unrest, fear, doubt, and trembling. What does it mean to enter into the rest of the Lord? Speaking for myself, it means that through the love of God I have been won over to Him, so that I can feel at rest in Christ, that I may no more be disturbed by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; and that I am established in the knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ, so that no power can turn me aside from the straight and narrow path that leads back into the presence of God, to enjoy exaltation in His glorious kingdom; that from this time henceforth I shall enjoy that rest until I shall rest with Him in the heavens.

"I desire to impress this thought upon your minds, for I want you to understand that this is the meaning intended to be conveyed by the words, 'entering into the rest of God.' Let me assure you that that man who is not thoroughly established in the doctrine of Christ, who has not yielded his whole soul unto the Lord, and to the Gospel He has taught to the world, has not yet entered into that rest. He is still at sea, so to speak, wandering, unstable, lacking firmness, lacking the faith that cannot be moved, ready to be overtaken by the cunning and craftiness of him who lies in wait to deceive and mislead into error and darkness.

"While he that has received the testimony of Jesus Christ in his heart, he that has yielded his all to the kingdom of God and to the will of the Father, is so established. His heart is fixed; his mind is made up; doubts have been dispelled; fears have all been removed; he knows in whom to trust; he is thoroughly established in his purposes and in his determination that, as for him and his house he will serve God, keep His commandments and walk, as far as it is possible for human creatures to walk, in purity of life, in honor, fidelity, and uprightness before the Lord."

- Joseph F. Smith, "At Rest in Christ," address at Provo, Utah, on 13 January 1907; see Millennial Star, 30 May 1907, 337-49
Click here to read the full talk

Too many face life with "unrest, fear, doubt, and trembling." President Smith suggests that's the alternate to living in "the rest of the Lord." When we "rest in Christ" we are at peace, untroubled by the forces of the world around us, moving untroubled through the world's tribulations and the various "winds of doctrine."

The key is to be "established in the doctrine of Christ" and to have "yielded his whole soul unto the Lord." So the process begins with learning, studying, pondering the doctrine; and then applying it in a way that brings total devotion. The result is that peaceful state when the man so committed has doubts and fears dispelled, and is committed to God in obedience and service. He then is able to "walk, as far as it is possible for human creatures to walk, in purity of life, in honor, fidelity, and uprightness before the Lord." That's a beautiful and treasured state.

The "rest of the Lord" can begin in this life, and not just in the eternities!

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on finding peace in a troubled world

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"While we yearn for peace, we live in a world burdened with hunger, pain, anguish, loneliness, sickness, and sorrow. We see divorce with all of its attendant conflict and heartache, especially among the innocent children caught in the middle. Wayward, disobedient children cause their parents grief and anxiety. Financial problems cause distress and loss of self-respect. Some loved ones slip into sin and wickedness, forsake their covenants, and walk in their 'own way, and after the image of [their] own god.' (D&C 1:16.)

"The value of peace within our hearts cannot be measured. When we are at peace, we can be free of worry and fear, knowing that with the Lord's help, we can do all that is expected or required of us. We can approach every day, every task, and every challenge with assurance and confidence in the outcome. We have freedom of thought and action, freedom to be happy.... Few, if any, blessings from God are more valuable to our spiritual health than the reward of peace within. In modern-day revelation the Savior said, 'But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' (D&C 59:23.)

"Despite dismal conditions in the world and the personal challenges that come into every life, peace within can be a reality. We can be calm and serene regardless of the swirling turmoil all about us. Attaining harmony within ourselves depends upon our relationship with our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and our willingness to emulate him by living the principles he has given us. He has extended to us an invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' (Matt. 11:28-30.)"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Peace Within," Ensign, May 1991, pp. 36-38
Click here to read or listen to the full article

Church leaders frequently acknowledge the challenges of our times; they are aware of the difficulties we face. While we sometimes assume they "have it all together" and are beyond such problems in areas of "hunger, pain, anguish, loneliness, sickness, and sorrow," I am certain they either face or have faced many of them, and they see challenges faced by their acquaintances and own loved ones. Add to these the situations of divorce, wayward children, financial struggles, those who choose to forsake covenants, and we have a pretty good picture of the difficulties of living in our time.

But there is hope! With the Lord's help, we can find peace in the world, in spite of these challenges. To be "calm and serene regardless of the swirling turmoil all about us" is the invitation Elder Wirthlin presents. That "peace within" comes from "doing the works of righteousness."

So much depends on our relationship with the Lord, our understanding of His plan, and our level of commitment to His path. We don't choose the trials and adversity we face; but we choose whether to have peace in our life.

President Ezra Taft Benson on overcoming fear by trusting in God

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Yes, God is at the helm, my brothers and sisters. I know it, and you know it. Surely no group in all the world has greater evidence of that fact than do the Latter-day Saints. Even during the days of persecution and hardship, the Lord has continually encouraged us to trust in him, to keep his commandments, to do that which is right and then be unafraid.

"We live in a world of fear today. Fear seems to be almost everywhere present. But there is no place for fear among the Latter-day Saints, among men and women who keep the commandments, who place their trust in the Almighty, who are not afraid to get down on their knees and pray to our heavenly Father....

"So among the Latter-day Saints, particularly, there should be no fears, even in a world where many people are concerned about atom bombs, the hydrogen bomb; where many are fearing Communism and some are talking fearfully of a depression. There need be no fear in the hearts of Latter-day Saints. People who live the gospel, who keep the commandments, who trust in God and do that which is right, need never fear because God speaks peace to the honest in heart through his Spirit....

"So, my brethren and sisters, there may come persecution; there may come opposition; there may come reverses; there may come criticism and misrepresentation. Your motives may be questioned. You may be attacked. But if we place our trust in the Almighty and do that which is right, there will come an inner assurance, an inner calm, a peace that will bring joy and happiness to our souls."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Trust in God and Do the Right," Conference Report, April 1954, pp. 56-59
Click here to read the full talk

Many people live in fear of the challenges of their world. In the times when President Benson shared these remarks, some 63 years ago, the fears were somewhat different from the ones we have today. But they were just as real to that generation as our time, when they are perhaps replaced by terrorism and violence, natural disasters, impacts of drugs and pornography, disintegrating families, moral challenges, economic uncertainty, etc.

But the key message never changes; fear is overcome by faith. For those who know God and trust in Him and in His promises, there is no need to fear. The key is "the Lord has continually encouraged us to trust in him, to keep his commandments, to do that which is right and then be unafraid."

So while there may be temporary setbacks and challenges along the path, we can face them with "an inner calm" in knowing God is in charge. That confidence truly will "bring joy and happiness to our souls."

Elder Quentin L. Cook on the perspective of the eternal plan

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"The Father's plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding.

"From the limited perspective of those who do not have knowledge, understanding, or faith in the Father's plan—who look at the world only through the lens of mortality with its wars, violence, disease, and evil—this life can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless. Church leaders have compared this perspective with someone walking into the middle of a three-act play. Those without knowledge of the Father's plan do not understand what happened in the first act, or the premortal existence, and the purposes established there; nor do they understand the clarification and resolution that come in the third act, which is the glorious fulfillment of the Father's plan....

"However, righteousness, prayer, and faithfulness will not always result in happy endings in mortality. Many will experience severe trials....

"There are many kinds of challenges. Some give us necessary experiences. Adverse results in this mortal life are not evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven's overall plan. The refiner's fire is real, and qualities of character and righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing," Ensign, November 2011, p. 106
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In the midst of mortality's frustrations, it's easy to forget the eternal nature of the plan of happiness that our Father has provided for us. Eventually, the full extent and scope of that glorious plan will be clear to us again, and we will truly rejoice as all sorrows are replaces with joy and understanding:

Sadly, without the divine and eternal perspective of God's plan for us, the challenges of this life "can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless." Even our most righteous efforts don't guarantee happy results in the limited timeframe of mortality. But all will be made right in God's due time. So meanwhile, it's important to recognize the purpose and power of our trials: the forge "qualities of character and righteousness" and help to "perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God."

Elder M. Russell Ballard on facing challenges with faith and hope

Elder M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"The conditions in the world are uncertain and dangerous, and the economies of the world are unstable and unpredictable. The cherished values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are under attack by those who want to restrict agency and make us dependent rather than encourage us to use our skills and talents to create new and exciting ways of doing things.

"Standards of morality are failing. The family is under attack and is crumbling. Love in the hearts of men and women has waxed cold and is unnatural (see Matthew 24:12; Romans 1:31). There is a continuing breakdown in the integrity, honesty, and righteousness of political, business, and other leaders. Wars and rumors of wars among nations and creeds abound. And even more destructive than any armed conflict is the war raging between good and evil—between the Savior with His army of light and Satan with his evil minions of darkness—for the very souls of the children of God....

"As we think about the future, we should be filled with faith and hope. Always remember that Jesus Christ—the Creator of the universe, the architect of our salvation, and the head of this Church—is in control. He will not permit His work to fail. He will be victorious over all darkness and evil. And He invites us all, members of His Church and others who are the honest in heart, to join in the battle for the souls of God's children. Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction. 

"Face the future with optimism."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Face the Future with Faith and Hope," commencement address given at BYU–Idaho on April 6, 2012; see Ensign, January 2014, pp. 24-29
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It's not difficult to come up with a list of what's wrong with the world. Elder Ballard suggests a number of challenges and problems that are common all around us, and which we must confront in our lives. It might seem easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of such challenges; but Elder Ballard helps to see a better perspective, one based on faith and hope:

There is always hope for true and devoted followers of Christ.

I am grateful for this challenge, a rallying call to all of us who seek to be His disciples: "Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on God's help in our challenges of life

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"God's plans for the development of souls have not changed. They were described to ancient Israel, whose 40 years in the wilderness were 'to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no' (Deut. 8:2). Therefore, disciples today can understand why our faith and patience are tried at times—so that we can be prepared to go Home (see Mosiah 23:21).

"Brothers and sisters, we do not go many hours in our lives without having to decide again 'which way do we face' and whether we will pitch our tents facing Sodom or the holy temple (see Gen. 13:12; Mosiah 2:6).

"God has no distracting hobbies off somewhere in the universe. We are at the very center of His concerns and purposes. What a sharp contrast to those who believe that man lives in an 'unconscious universe' (Bertrand Russell), a 'universe... without a master' (Albert Camus)....

"Brothers and sisters, we dare not hold back the restored gospel's declaratives! We dare not hold back the reassuring revelations and truth-telling translations about 'things as they really are, and... things as they really will be.' These are so needed by those whose weary hands hang down because they suffer from doctrinal anemia, which can best be treated by the red blood cells of the Restoration (see Jacob 4:13). To hold back would be to restrain repentance and to obscure the beckoning spiritual alternative, which will become 'fair as the sun, and clear as the moon' (see D&C 105:31)."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "How Choice a Seer," Ensign, November 2003, pp. 99-102
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The "children of Israel" spent 40 years "wandering in the wilderness"; there were things they needed to learn and experience. They needed to prove their hearts, their willingness to obey. Elder Maxwell suggests that in modern times, we have the same experience—"our faith and patience are tried at times" in order to help in our preparation to return to God. The key question for us, then, is to ascertain, in the scriptural language, which way we face—toward the temple (symbolizing God and the gospel) or towards Sodom (representing the world and its temptations).

I love the description of God having "no distracting hobbies" that make Him oblivious to our needs and challenges. While we often engage in those distractions, He never will. We are always 'at the very center of His concerns and purposes."

In the midst of our individual "wanderings in the wilderness," we can become weary. We can "suffer from doctrinal anemia" if we are not focused enough on "the red blood cells of the Restoration." How critical it is to make sure we are facing the right way in order to receive the greatest benefits from what God promises us!

President Harold B. Lee on trusting God through life's challenges

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"So the all-important thing in life isn't what happens to you, but the important thing is how you take it. That's the important thing. In the closing of the Sermon on the Mount, you remember, the Master gave a parable. He said:

"'Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

"'And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." [Matthew 7:24-25.]

"What was he trying to impress? He was trying to say that the winds of adversity, the floods of disaster, the difficulties, are going to beat upon every human house upon this earth; and the only ones who will not fall—when the bank fails, when you lose a loved one, in any other disaster—the only thing that will hold us through all these storms and stresses of life is when we've built upon the rocks by keeping the commandments of God....

"Wait patiently on the Lord in the season of persecution and deep affliction. The Lord said,

"'Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

"'Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.' (D&C 98:1-2)"

- Harold B. Lee, "Education for Eternity," address given at Salt Lake Institute of Religion, 15 Jan. 1971, pp. 7-8

President Lee begins this excerpt with a key thought: "So the all-important thing in life isn't what happens to you, but the important thing is how you take it. That's the important thing." To a large extent, we choose how we react to the things that happen to us. There will be many challenges in life; but if our foundation is solid, if we have an established pattern of obedience and faithfulness, we'll be blessed in weathering the storms:

I love the scriptural exhortation to "Wait patiently on the Lord." He will hear the prayers of his friends, and grant them in due time.

Neal A. Maxwell on walking life's trail with faith and hope

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Remember... that your faith covers all portions of life's trail. You can have clear faith in the ultimate outcomes at the end of the trail but still find vexing uncertainties in the steps immediately ahead. The Lord knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. You, however, function in the muddled, mortal middle. Both the help and comfort of the Holy Ghost are thus much needed for the short run too!

"Hence, you are to proceed with your lives within what is allotted to you, while letting adversity highlight any need for some personal and individual course corrections (see Alma 29:3). Happily, discipleship carries within itself its own witness that it is the true way of living; it is self-reinforcing....

"Pay heed, therefore, to your inborn spiritual reflexes. Use, even more, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, who can fill you with 'hope and perfect love' (Moro. 8:26). He can 'enlighten your mind, ... [and] shall fill your soul with joy' (D&C 11:13). How precious and relevant these gifts of hope, love, and joy are in any age, but certainly in yours, when so many feel unloved, hopeless, and sad!"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "These Are Your Days," Ensign, Oct 2004, pp. 26-31
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What does it mean to have faith in God? Elder Maxwell's analogy of a trail is a very instructive one. It's possible to have a good understanding of the "ultimate outcome" or destination of the trail but be uncertain about the many intermediate steps that lead there. The "muddled, mortal middle" of our overall mortal journey is where we are struggling now, and we need the help and comfort of One who knows the trail well!

I love the thought of "self-reinforcing" discipleship. As we strive to be true disciples, we will know when we get off course; adversity quickly highlights our needs for adjustments as we cease to feel the blessings of being on the proper path. Our "spiritual reflexes" will help us follow the proper trail.