Hope

1. Hope is an Essential Anchor for the Soul

Our happiness and progression depend on our understanding the hope the Lord provides to carry us through mortality, this most critical period of our eternal existence.

Beyond wishful thinking. Hope is not merely "wishful thinking" but an intensely personal and vital element lodged deep within the human spirit, essential for our souls as sleep and nourishment are for our bodies. It manifests in diverse ways for different individuals, yet its necessity is universal. The scriptures vividly portray hope through powerful images that underscore its absolute importance in our lives.

Four compelling images. The Lord uses four primary images to define hope, each offering a unique perspective on its role in our mortal journey. Hope serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path and diminishing fear, much like a lamp dispels darkness. It acts as a protective helmet, shielding us in the spiritual battles against the adversary. Furthermore, hope is likened to a constantly flowing river, providing deep nourishment even in times of severe drought.

A stabilizing force. Finally, hope is depicted as an anchor, securing our souls against the winds and storms of life, preventing us from drifting or drowning in the ocean of mortality. These images collectively convey a singular, vital message: understanding and embracing the hope the Lord offers is fundamental to our happiness and eternal progression, especially during this crucial phase of our existence.

2. Hope is Grounded in God's Perfect Character and Mercy

Our hope rests in that nature.

Foundation of truth. Hope is inextricably linked to faith, and both require a solid foundation built on reason, authority, and experience. This foundation provides the "substance of things hoped for" and the "evidence of things not seen," ensuring that our faith and hope are not merely emotional but intellectually grounded in truth. When we understand why we believe, our hope gains resilience.

God's matchless character. A correct understanding of God's character—His goodness, matchless power, wisdom, patience, long-suffering, and boundless mercy—is central to developing unwavering hope. Prophets like King Benjamin and Nephi consistently emphasized these divine attributes, particularly as they relate to the Atonement. This knowledge allows us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace" without fear, trusting in His willingness to forgive and redeem.

Divine forgiveness. The Savior's mercy is profound and enduring, extending forgiveness even for repeated sins, as illustrated by His teaching to forgive "seven times in a day." He delights in forgiveness and remembers our transgressions "no more" once we sincerely repent, focusing instead on our righteous efforts and desires. This divine perspective assures us that our "real self" is our best self, fostering hope even amidst our human weaknesses.

3. God Gently Guides and Carries Us Through Life's Journey

The race of life must be run with patience with our focus set on the Savior, who waits at the finish line, or else we may become weary and faint.

Patience in the race. Life is often compared to a race, but Paul counsels us to run it "with patience," not speed. This perspective is crucial to avoid spiritual fatigue and despair, which can arise from comparing ourselves to others or feeling we are not progressing fast enough. Our focus should remain steadfast on Jesus Christ, the "author and finisher of our faith," who understands our struggles and waits at the finish line.

Divine support. Isaiah's comforting words assure us that the Lord will "gently lead" us, carrying us in His bosom like a shepherd with His lambs. He promises to give "power to the faint" and "increase strength" to those who have no might, enabling us to "mount up with wings as eagles." This divine infusion of strength comes when we "wait upon the Lord," not necessarily on our own timetable, but in His perfect wisdom, when we need it most.

Overcoming fear. Many of us grapple with the fear of spiritual failure, of not quite measuring up. The Lord addresses this directly: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." He will hold our hand, calm our fears, and never become discouraged with our progress, continuing to labor with us until we achieve perfection.

4. Trials are Preparations, and God Turns Afflictions to Blessings

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.

Inevitable trials. Trials are an inherent part of mortality, arising from various sources: our own weaknesses, the actions of others, or as a refiner's fire from a wise Heavenly Father. These physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental challenges can cause hope to waver, making us feel isolated and defenseless. Yet, the scriptures offer profound comfort and strategies for enduring these pains with hope.

The Fourth Watch Principle. The Lord sees our struggles, even when we feel alone, just as He saw His disciples toiling against contrary winds in the "fourth watch" of the night. He may not come in the first watch, but He will come in His own time, when our efforts have stretched us to our limit, assuring us, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid." This principle teaches us that our efforts, though seemingly futile, are necessary for our growth, and He will never let us sink into despair without coming to our aid.

Afflictions for our gain. The Lord prepares us for the inevitable "mountain waves" and "furious winds" of life, ensuring our vessels are "tight like a dish" to withstand them. Like Joseph in Egypt, who was "fruitful in the land of my affliction," or Jacob, whose childhood sorrows were consecrated "for thy gain," God has the power to turn all trials into blessings. C.S. Lewis eloquently described this, noting that "Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a glory," and God will ultimately "wipe away all tears from their eyes," ending sorrow, pain, and death.

5. Our Hope for a Better World Sustains Us Amidst Earth's Darkness

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

A bleak world. Our current world often presents a bleak picture, filled with war, crime, corruption, and despair, leading many to feel that "men's hearts shall fail them." Prophets like Mormon and Moroni, living in similar times of widespread wickedness, consistently spoke of hope by directing their minds to a future world of peace and rest. This "more excellent hope" is an anchor for the soul, keeping us steadfast amidst the darkness.

Seeking good. Even in the most challenging environments, we are encouraged to "lay hold upon every good thing" and "cleave" to it, searching diligently in the light of Christ. This active pursuit of virtue, loveliness, and praiseworthy things generates hope in our day-to-day lives. This hope is amplified by the calm assurance of eternal life, promised through the Atonement and Resurrection of Christ, for those who persevere in faith.

Eternal mansions. Jesus Himself comforted His apostles with the promise of "many mansions" in His Father's house, assuring them, "I go to prepare a place for you." This promise, echoed by Moroni, signifies a world of indescribable glory, happiness, and charity—the pure love of Christ—where relationships endure and are amplified. Paul affirmed that the "sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us," making the hope of this better country a powerful motivator to patiently endure.

6. Our Divine Destiny as Children of God Inspires Purity and Purpose

For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten.

A race of gods. The most profound truth of the Restoration, and a powerful source of hope, is our knowledge of mankind's ultimate destiny: to become like God. We are not merely human but literal offspring of God, created to receive knowledge, intelligence, and glory, eventually becoming "angels, Gods." This divine parentage inspires us to live up to our potential and treat others with the reverence due to "possible gods and goddesses."

Resisting the adversary. Satan actively seeks to destroy this belief, as he did with Moses, tempting him to worship him and forget his divine identity. However, a solid understanding of who we are—sons and daughters of God, in the similitude of His Only Begotten—empowers us to resist temptation and purify ourselves. John taught that "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Seeing divinity in others. Recognizing our own divine potential naturally extends to seeing the "divine fire of God" in the eyes of every person we meet, however dimmed by the world. This perspective transforms our interactions, fostering awe and circumspection in all our dealings. C.S. Lewis emphasized that "there are no ordinary people," only "immortal horrors or everlasting splendors," making our neighbor the "holiest object presented to your senses" next to the blessed Sacrament itself.

7. God's Earthly Kingdom Provides Unchanging Stability in a Shaking World

But the pillar of truth will endure to the last, And its firm-rooted bulwarks outstand the rude blast And the wreck of the fell tyrant’s hopes.

A world in commotion. Prophecies describe our day as a time when "all things shall be in commotion," with the earth trembling, the sun hiding its face, and stars falling. This imagery suggests a world "drunken with iniquity," where morals, ethics, leaders, and nations are unstable, and men's hearts fail them for fear. In such a chaotic environment, there is a profound need for faith, charity, and hope in that which is firm, stable, and unchanging.

The enduring Church. Amidst this global upheaval, the Lord's earthly kingdom, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stands as a beacon of stability. Jeremiah prophesied that the latter-day gathering of Israel would eclipse even the Exodus in wonder. Joseph Smith's prophecy in a small Kirtland log schoolhouse—that the Church would fill North and South America and the world—is being fulfilled today, with millions of members and temples worldwide.

A sure foundation. Daniel's vision of a stone "cut out of the mountain without hands" growing to fill the whole earth, and Ezekiel's dry bones rising as an "exceeding great army," all testify to the unstoppable nature and permanent influence of the Lord's latter-day work. We are invited to build our lives "upon the rock of our Redeemer," a "sure foundation" that cannot fall, and to "catch hold of the rod of iron"—the word of God—which provides direction and firmness when all else is shaken.

8. God's Infinite Care Extends to Every Soul, One by One

The Savior who reminds us “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10) numbers, knows, and names all his worlds.

Vastness and intimacy. Despite creating "worlds without number," the Lord assures us that "all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them." He not only numbers and knows His creations but also calls them all by name, demonstrating His infinite might and personal connection. This profound truth extends from the vastness of galaxies to the intimacy of individual lives.

Personal visitation. The Lord's parable of the field illustrates His commitment to each of His creations: He visits every kingdom "in its hour, and in its time, and in its season," sharing the "joy of my countenance." This promise extends to nations, as the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus "manifesting himself unto all nations." Ammon's testimony further confirms that "God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over the earth."

Individual remembrance. Most powerfully, the Lord "remembereth every creature of his creating." Alma the Younger's conversion story highlights this, as he realized the Savior remembered him even in his deepest agony. Jesus's visit to the Nephites, where He took "their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them," profoundly illustrates His one-by-one focus. This individual care, knowing when each sparrow falls and numbering the hairs of our heads, is the greatest miracle, renewing hope in our hearts that we are known and cherished.

9. The Scriptures are a Wellspring of Hope, Revealing God's Consistent Blessings

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

A purveyor of hope. The scriptures are not merely historical records but powerful purveyors of hope, designed to show us "what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers" so that we may anticipate He will do great things for us. Every story, every promise, and every deliverance recorded serves as evidence that God "is the same God yesterday, today, and forever," making His past actions a blueprint for our future hope.

Setting hope in God. Psalm 78 explicitly states that the stories of old, like the Exodus, were preserved "that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." The Lord even commanded His people to create physical memorials, like the twelve stones from the River Jordan, to remind future generations of His power and faithfulness. These memorials serve as tangible proof that God repeats His miracles for those who trust Him.

Spiritual counterparts. Many physical miracles in the scriptures have profound spiritual counterparts in our lives today. Just as Jesus cleansed a leper, He can cleanse us from sin. The fire from heaven that answered Elijah's prayer is akin to the burning in the bosom from the Holy Ghost that testifies of truth. Restoring physical sight to the blind parallels the spiritual vision granted through the Book of Mormon, allowing us to "see out of obscurity, and out of darkness." By continually reading and pondering the scriptures, the Holy Ghost can draw from their treasures the precise application needed to ignite and sustain our hope.

10. The Adversary Seeks to Destroy Hope, But Faith in Christ Overcomes Despair

If Satan can destroy hope, he has essentially won the battle.

Satan's objective. Satan, the "destroyer," aims to eradicate all hope, leaving only fear and despair, as evidenced by the words "Abandon hope all ye who enter here" over the gates of hell. His primary strategy is to undermine belief in Christ and the promise of a "better world," replacing it with philosophies like Korihor's, which deny Christ, moral accountability, and an afterlife. Recognizing this ambition forewarns us and prepares us for spiritual combat.

Combating despair. When hope is destroyed, fear takes root, becoming a tool of Satan's governance. Elder Richard G. Scott's dream vividly illustrates the adversary's attempts to manipulate and disorient individuals by eradicating memories and relationships, leading to hopelessness. In moments of great fear and despair, like Moses and Joseph Smith, we must "call upon God" to receive strength, for He will deliver us from the "bitterness of hell" and replace fear with joy.

Avoiding temporal distractions. Satan also diverts our hope by enticing us with temporal pleasures and riches, suggesting, "Why strive for the things of a better world when you can have the riches and the pleasures of the present one?" Trusting in the "arm of flesh" inevitably leads to abandonment and despair when these temporal things fail. Like Moses, who chose affliction with God's people over the "pleasures of sin for a season," we must maintain a steadfast focus on the eternal rewards, lest the "toys and activities of a fallen world" distract us from our celestial destiny.

11. Charity, the Pure Love of Christ, is the Ultimate Fruit of Hope

Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.

Culmination of virtues. Faith, hope, and charity are intricately interwoven, with charity standing as the culmination and "greatest of these." To possess charity is to embody the "pure love of Christ"—to speak, act, think, and feel as the Savior did, motivated by His boundless love for us and His perfect obedience to the Father. This Christlike quality of life adds profound substance to our hope.

Hope for purification. Our hope fuels the belief that we can achieve this Christlike level of love, becoming "purified even as he is pure." This hope is not merely for the existence of a better world but for our personal capacity to develop the perfect charity required to dwell with God in His eternal mansions. It is a hope that propels us to "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love."

Grace is sufficient. While we strive to "come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing," and to "love God with all our might, mind and strength," we recognize that "it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." Our hope lies in His willingness to grant this grace, knowing that Jesus, our mediator, pleads our cause before the Father, presenting His own supreme sacrifice as evidence that we merit exaltation, making us "holy, without spot."

Last updated: December 7, 2025