The more darkness grows, the more God will help us if we rely on him.
It’s not easy to be a person of faith in our day, let alone to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. With the moral decline of society and the growing opposition against religion, it is easy to become discouraged or even afraid. But Elder Neil L. Andersen assures us in “A Compensatory Spiritual Power for the Righteous” that as the forces of darkness increase, God will not leave us on our own.
In fact, the harder the opposition becomes, the more God will strengthen us with his power if we turn to him. “As the world slides from its spiritual moorings,” says Elder Andersen, “the Lord prepares the way for those who seek Him, offering them greater assurance, greater confirmation, and greater confidence in the spiritual direction they are traveling. The gift of the Holy Ghost becomes a brighter light in the emerging twilight.”
This added power doesn’t come to us automatically: we have to desire it and strive to be worthy of it. How do we do that? Elder Andersen suggests a few ways to increase in spiritual strength:
- Cultivate our faith. How? Repent, obey, pray, study, attend church, partake of the sacrament, and serve.
- Do family history work and take names to the temple.
- Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Elder Andersen promises that if we strive to do these things “[the Savior] will steady you, strengthen you, shape you, and secure you. You will be His.”
Read or watch Elder Neil L. Andersen’s “A Compensatory Spiritual Power for the Righteous.”
Source: BYU Speeches
—Leah Welker, Mormon Insights
Find more insights
Watch or read President Thomas S. Monson’s April 2009 general conference talk “Be of Good Cheer.”
Read President Gordon B. Hinckley’s First Presidency Message “In Opposition to Evil.”
This is a very positive and uplifting highlight. It is so good to be reminded that though the world’s moral decline is inevitable, the Lord’s promises to the faithful still remain intact. We can turn to him for everything, and he expects us to.
My wife is a great example of faith in the face of growing danger or evil. She is always quick to rely on her knowledge of the gospel and hope for better times when we obey the Lord’s commandments. I love having her example to strengthen me when I need help.