Hey everyone, welcome back to My Gospel Thoughts. I’m Scott Laxton, and today I’m excited to dive back into our discussion on the Great Plan of Happiness…
So, this week, we’ve talked about a couple different aspects of the plan, but today, I really want to focus on something that’s so essential—hope…
Specifically, the hope that comes through Jesus Christ...
There’s a scripture in Alma 41:10 that I think really nails this concept:
"Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness."
It’s pretty straightforward, right? True happiness—like, the real deal—comes from living righteously and following Christ.
And if you think about it, have you ever noticed how things just don’t feel right when we’re not living in line with our values? It’s like… we know deep down that something’s off. But when we align ourselves with God’s will, that’s where the real joy kicks. That’s where peace fills our soul.
...I turned to the Savior—I prayed, I really dug into the scriptures—and slowly but surely, I felt that hope start to come back.
Have you ever had that kind of experience? Where you’re just at the end of your rope, and then… boom, there’s that sense of clarity and purpose again.
So, let’s talk about how we can actually build and strengthen this kind of hope in our daily lives. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
First off, get into the scriptures. Seriously, the stories and teachings there… they’re not just words on a page. They’re real-life examples that can give us hope. What’s a scripture that’s really stuck with you lately?
Next, prayer. I know, I talk about prayer a lot, but that’s because it works. When we reach out to God, we can feel His love and get the strength we need. When was the last time you really felt God’s presence during a prayer?
Then there’s trusting in God’s promises. I know it’s easier said than done sometimes, but if we really believe that He’s got our back, that changes everything. And let’s be honest, isn’t it reassuring to know that God’s promises are something we can count on?
And finally, surround yourself with positive influences. Whether it’s friends, family, or church members, having people around who lift us up can make all the difference. Who in your life has been that source of strength for you?
As you’re thinking about today’s message, I want to challenge you—yeah, you heard me, a challenge—to set a goal for yourself. What’s one thing you can do this week to really dig into this idea of hope? Maybe it’s spending a little extra time in the scriptures, maybe it’s praying a bit more earnestly, or maybe it’s just finding more ways to stay positive. To let hope be alive in your being. Whatever it is, focus on it and write it down. I’d love to hear how it goes for you.
I want to leave you with a quote from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He said:
"Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges. Hope in Christ brings us peace, strength, and joy."
So, what do you think? How can you bring that hope into your daily life?
