It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the plan of salvation, but don’t let them overshadow the simple and pure truths.
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There are so many details about the doctrines and practices of the gospel, and sometimes they lead to more questions than answers. In his conference talk “Trust in the Lord,” President Dallin H. Oaks addresses some of these questions, specifically those regarding what happens after we die.
Following a brief overview of what we do know about life after death, President Oaks acknowledges that there is also much we don’t know. He lost his father at a very young age, and soon after that his mother’s health began to deteriorate. He probably asked questions about what would happen to his family.
So how did President Oaks―and how should we―deal with these kinds of questions that often don’t have answers? He advises, “First, remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. Second, remember this familiar Bible teaching…‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths’ (Proverbs 3:5–6).”
When questions and doubts trouble us, it is important to remember that the Lord has a plan for us. If we can at least have faith that he loves us and will provide for our needs, we can focus on what we need to be doing now: striving to love others, keeping the commandments and our covenants, sharing the gospel, and serving in the temple as often as we can.
Read more about having faith and trusting in the Lord when we’re not sure what the future holds in President Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Trust in the Lord.”
Source: General Conference
—Madeline Jones, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY LISA FOTIOS
Find more insights
Check out Elder Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth Lybbert Renlund’s worldwide devotional for young adults for more insights on navigating doubts and hard questions.
Learn more about what we do know about what comes after death in President M. Russell Ballard’s talk “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead.”