![]() ![]() Let us rejoice in the knowledge that regardless of any inadequacies we have-or feel we have, or have been told we have, whether real or perceived-the Lord Jesus Christ can make up any difference that may remain after we have done all we can to overcome our weaknesses (see Ether 12:27). Let us rejoice that Jesus Christ’s Atonement really makes it possible for us to truly repent, wipe clean our slate, start over, and virtually begin a wonderful life. But do we individually really believe that Jesus’ Atonement-his suffering in Gethsemane, his death upon the cross, and his Resurrection-actually makes it possible for us, however dark or discouraged we may feel today, to overcome not only our sins but also our sorrows and weaknesses and to be exalted with him and God the Father? Or do we only hear the words, even memorize or otherwise attempt to internalize them, but when faced with our own guilt or discouragement, say, “Oh, that’s all true, but it isn’t true for me”? Although the divine reality of Jesus Christ is still debated by some churches, there is no doubt among faithful Latter-day Saints that we as a people believe in Christ. Our strongest, most heartfelt expressions of faith in our Savior center on his divine sonship and on his atoning sacrifice. With Nephi we seek to say, “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ” ( 2 Ne. Here are some specific steps we can take now to place our lives on high ground so that we can lift, even rescue, our youth from feelings of despair and hopelessness about the future. Lee said, “You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is” ( Stand Ye in Holy Places, 187). Out of that optimism will emanate a contagious attitude that will positively influence not only our outlook but also that of the young people with whom we interact. ![]() The answer lies in our living a gospel-centered life that is full of enriching experiences that strengthen us, draw us nearer to God, and increase our optimism. I’m certain that whether in ancient Jerusalem or Zarahemla, in the early days of the restoration of the Church in this dispensation, or perhaps during a time of great crisis in the world, such as World War II, many other persons must have asked themselves how they might have hope in the future.Īfter a lifetime of watching others, as well as application in my own life, I have concluded that if we want to help lead youth to a life of optimism and hope, we must first cultivate those qualities in our own lives. And for people of every generation, the central solution to the trials and challenges they have faced probably has been the same. Indeed, it is not uncommon for parents and advisers of youth to wonder how best to assist them in looking with optimism and hope to the future.Īs I have thought about this concern, I am struck by the irony that it is likely a concern that easily could have been raised any number of times in history. This is especially true for today’s youth. In a world with an increasing number of trials and challenges, things can look dark and stormy from a certain perspective, dampening our mood and outlook. 3:18).Įven in our darkest abyss, we can find hope in the inner light from the Lord. ![]() “But if not,” they told Nebuchadnezzar, “be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” ( Dan. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego hoped for deliverance from God. ![]() When King Nebuchadnezzar learned that three young men who had been set over the province of Babylon refused to worship a golden image that he had fashioned, the king grew furious and threatened the Jewish youths with a fiery death. ![]()
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