Faith and Hope

But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. The prophet Mormon taught: “Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.” (Moro. 7:41–42.)

Faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, is absolutely essential for us to maintain a balanced perspective through times of trial and difficulty. Remember, nothing will occur in our lives that He does not understand. Alma taught, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.” (Alma 7:11.)

Please turn to Him if you are discouraged and struggling for direction in your life. Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, October 1992 General Conference 

Never Lose Hope

My message to you today, my brothers and sisters, is simply this: the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

Elder M. Russell Ballard,  October 1992 General Conference 

Fear Not

To all who have harbored feelings of despair and an absence of hope, I offer the words of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. …

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:34, 36), “even so am I in the midst of you” (D&C 6:32).

Elder M. Russell Ballard, October 1992 General Conference

Despair Turns to Hope

With faith in the merciful Redeemer and His power, potential despair turns to hope. One’s very heart and desires change, and the once-appealing sin becomes increasingly abhorrent. A resolve to abandon and forsake the sin and to repair, as fully as one possibly can, the damage he or she has caused now forms in that new heart. This resolve soon matures into a covenant of obedience to God. With that covenant in place, the Holy Ghost, the messenger of divine grace, will bring relief and forgiveness. One is moved to declare again with Alma, “And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I [do] behold; yea, my soul [is] filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!” (Alma 36:20).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, October 2011 General Conference 

With God All Things Are Possible

Wherever you now find yourself on the road of discipleship, you are on the right road, the road toward eternal life. Together we can lift and strengthen one another in the great and important days ahead. Whatever the difficulties confronting us, the weaknesses confining us, or the impossibilities surrounding us, let us have faith in the Son of God, who declared, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen, April 2013 General Conference

I Will Give You Rest

His invitation is a call to daily duty. Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” We may not be at our very best every day, but if we are trying, Jesus’s bidding is full of encouragement and hope: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen, April 2013 General Conference

Walking to the Light

As you walk toward the hope of God’s light, you will discover the compassion, love, and goodness of a loving Heavenly Father, ‘in [whom there] is no darkness at all’

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  April 2013 General Conference

The Hope of God’s Light

There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you.  You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt.  To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real.  It is available to all! It gives life to all things.  It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound.  It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls.  In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  April 2013 General Conference

Looking to the Light

The Savior is the worker of miracles.  He is the great Healer.  He is our example, our light, even in the darkest moments, and He shows us the right way.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  April 2013 General Conference

Keep the Faith

Keep the faith.

President Henry B. Eyring,  April 2013 General Conference