President Ezra Taft Benson on finding hope in times of challenge

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.

"To press on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine. Even our master Jesus the Christ, while facing that supreme test of being temporarily left alone by our Father during the crucifixion, continued performing his labors for the children of men, and then shortly thereafter he was glorified and received a fullness of joy. While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that you do have with a sure hope of greater ones to follow if you are faithful. And you can have that certain knowledge that in due time God will wipe away all tears and that 'eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' (1 Cor. 2:9.)"

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Do Not Despair," General Conference October 1974
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This was one of my favorite talks by Elder Benson; well worth reviewing the whole thing. He encourages us to maintain a perspective of hope and gratitude in spite of the challenges and difficulties of life—"even while surrounded by a cloud of depression." Pressing on through the clouds eventually leads to sunshine:

Three important strategies for success, in surviving times of challenge, are:

• Remembering past achievements
• Recognizing current blessings
• Holding to promises for the future, knowing that "in due time God will wipe away all tears"

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Ezra Taft Benson on personal growth through goal-setting

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.

"Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus' preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he 'increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man' (Luke 2:52). This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. 'Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?' asked the Master, and he answered, 'Verily I say unto you, even as I am' (3 Ne. 27:27). Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure....

"Let your minds be filled with the goal of being like the Lord, and you will crowd out depressing thoughts as you anxiously seek to know him and do his will. 'Let this mind be in you,' said Paul. (Philip. 2:5.) 'Look unto me in every thought,' said Jesus. (D&C 6:36.) And what will follow if we do? 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.' (Isa. 26:3.)"

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Do Not Despair," Ensign, Oct. 1986, 5
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President Benson suggests an interesting benefit to goal-setting: when we are actively "pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals" in our life, we will overcome despondency, and depressing thoughts will be crowded out of our life:

Many others have noted the Savior's example as described by Luke, growing in categories that are mental, physical, spiritual, and social. Those are all worthy areas of consideration for us as we evaluate our life and try to grow and improve.

Ultimately, our goal is to follow the Lord's example and strive to become like Him in every way. As we actively pursue that goal, we will be blessed in many ways, every step of the way!

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

L. Tom Perry on the challenges and blessings of life

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"Today we find ourselves surrounded with so much depression, despair, lack of confidence, and loss of hope. I ask myself: For what purpose is all this gloom? Consider with me for a moment the great blessings which have been promised us in a covenant with the Lord. He has entered into a solemn and binding contract with each of us from the very beginning to give us all that He hath according to our faithfulness. He has declared, 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say.' (D&C 82:10.)

"By solemn covenant He will perform His part of the agreement. The opportunity to receive these great blessings is ours to control, based on our individual performance....

"One of the purposes of the mortal experience is to see if we will follow the Savior's counsel to 'seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.' (Matt. 6:33.)

"We live in the most glorious era in the history of mankind. The opportunity to reap the blessings of the Lord has never been greater, as is the opportunity to serve Him and experience the eternal satisfaction which comes from that service.... Let us remember, it is in our power to enjoy the fruits of the gospel, for He has promised us if we will be obedient to His law and be willing to render unto Him what He requires of us in service and sacrifice, we will find the joys of eternity."

- L. Tom Perry, "Behold, the Lord Hath Shown unto Me Great and Marvelous Things," Ensign, Nov 1992, pp. 15-17
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Elder Perry had a joyful spirit. His personal demeanor and his public discourses frequently expressed his enthusiasm for life. He shares some of that philosophy in this excerpt. He sees no room for "gloom" or "despair," given the promises of God to his children related to their mortal experiences. Elder Perry believes we have the ability to choose many of the circumstances of our lives as we choose to enjoy the fruits of the gospel in our lives. Choosing to obey and to serve results in the joys of eternity.

Boyd K. Packer on dealing with the struggles of life in the Lord's way

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems.

"We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always be instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

"It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

"Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

"There is great purpose in our struggle in life....

"Bishop, those who come to you are children of God. Counsel them in the Lord's own way. Teach them to ponder it in their minds, then to pray over their problems.

"Remember that soothing, calming effect of reading the scriptures. Next time you are where they are read, notice how things settle down. Sense the feeling of peace and security that comes."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Own Way," Ensign, May 1978, pp. 91-93
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It's clear to see the modern-day philosophy of "instant gratification." We like things in a hurry: fast-food, speedy service, quick answers. And, as President Packer discusses, "instant solutions to our problems." But that is not the Lord's way. We are not going to be "always be instantly emotionally comfortable." We are going to struggle at times. We will have disappointment, failure, even anxiety and depression—and those things are normal parts of life!

Of course, at times those emotions or challenges can become overbalanced and there is need for professional help. But in general, President Packer encourages us all to learn to cope with the daily challenges that come, knowing that they are given for a reason and will bless us if we allow them to.

President Packer goes on to identify prayer and scripture reading as two of the things that can help us regain peace and security in the midst of discouragement and discomfort. That is wise advice, and it works!