Me Thinks

 

I did something I have not done for a while. I read a book! Besides Preach My Gospel, Come Follow Me and the scriptures, I have not ventured far in my gospel study these past six months, but I enjoyed this book by Elder Ucthdorf and felt uplifted. Not only is he an optimistic person, but he teaches hope and optimism in a great way. 

Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future—even “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23). It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance (pg. 18).

We hope in Jesus Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God has been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future. In times of distress, we can hold tightly to the hope that things will work together for our good (pgs. 19, 20).

The reason these words rang true with me is that I have seen evidence of God being faithful and keeping His promises in my life. Over and over again, I lean on God and ask for His support and I am delivered. I trust that He will keep His promises in the present and future too. I know my prayers are heard, and that God showers us with blessings as seek to draw near to Him.