In times of trouble or despair, the Light of Christ is never far from us. As we strive to stand in the Savior’s light, we will find it—no matter our circumstances.
photo by myriams-fotos
Genocide in the Middle East. Political upheaval in multiple countries. Stories of abuse, violence, injustice, and death. It is easy for these things to overwhelm us, but the hope of God’s light is never far from us, no matter how dark the world may seem.
In “The Hope of God’s Light,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches us how to hold on to hope in the midst of terrible darkness. He outlines three simple steps that can help us feel God’s light in our lives:
- Start where you are, whether everything is going well or life is overwhelming you. “The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul.”
- Turn your heart toward the Lord. “Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.”
- Walk in the light. “He has given us the gospel. . . . It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in His light, following in the footsteps of His Beloved Son, our Savior.”
As we do our best to live the principles of the gospel, we are promised the hope of God’s light to guide our lives. President Uchtdorf assures us, “As you walk toward the hope of God’s light, you will discover the compassion, love, and goodness of a loving Heavenly Father.”
Heavenly Father is always prepared to give us the hope we need to make it through the darkness of the world. If we do our best to follow him, his light will bless us every day.
Read or watch President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s full address “The Hope of God’s Light.”
Source: lds.org
—Joshua Felix, Mormon Insights
feature image by guregure
Find more insights
Read what President James E. Faust said about hope in “Hope, an Anchor of the Soul.”
Take a look at what Alan R. Harker shared in his speech “Hope As an Anchor of Our Souls.”
This is such an inspiring message. Everyone is at a different place, but when we choose to hope we are able to see glimmers of His light.I love the aspects of this talk you chose to highlight, and the image is beautiful. Thank you.
The injunction to start where we are that this article recalls has always moved me. Why, when the Lord has promised that he will be with me always, should I let anything obscure my view of that promise? I have found it easiest to see the light he offers me when I am striving to let the light within me shine—my own divine potential to become, by his power, as he is. That introspection on who I am becoming, coupled with the effort to light up the lives of others, helps me visualize a bright future. And after the hardest times and the darkest, the feeling is so sweet when he finally illumines the path home to him. I want to better perceive that light so I can live ever moving toward it.
I remember hearing that talk in general conference. It’s a very good and inspiring message. I think one of my favorite parts was “start where you are.” Even if you’ve strayed, wherever you are, you can start feeling that light and hope again.
I love this talk. God really does come to us at whatever point we are at and helps us along the path back to him. It doesn’t matter where we are, only that we are facing him and trying to get closer.