Digital Only: Answers from an Apostle
How Can I Face an Uncertain Future?
Go forth with joy, put your hand into the hand of God, and let Him guide you safely into the unknown.
From a Brigham Young University—Hawaii commencement address on December 8, 2023.
Your future may well lead you into the unknown. But if you “put your hand into the Hand of God,” I know that His guidance “shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
What does it mean to “put your hand into the Hand of God?” Certainly, it means a constant quest to draw close to our Heavenly Father and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and feel the joy of Their perfect love. It means pleading to understand that they are with us always, recognizing Their presence as it graces our lives, and experiencing the joy and gratitude that such companionship must inspire. It means “thinking celestial.”
My friends, if we strive to be led purely by the hand of God, and not by any other influence, we will be empowered to face the unknowns of our future with sustaining faith and abiding trust. I pray you will find great joy as you take your next steps.
Use the Gospel’s Light
How, then, can we get there? The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with light that can and will assist us in finding the hand of God and the peace and joy He longs for us to find.
Jesus Christ, our beloved Saviour, is the transcendent source of light in our lives. He Himself has assured us, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” The light of life! That’s who He is. That’s what He offers us. Because of His light, we really can choose hope and joy in the midst of life’s confusing storms. If you have discovered this, you will know the miracle of His light that can penetrate any gloom.
Taking advantage of that beacon of light in our lives means discovering what President Nelson has described as the joy of daily repentance. Repeatedly turning back to God each time we get off course frees us from the bonds of sin and misery that the adversary would smother us in. We can learn to relish the opportunity for daily—even constant—repentance, and do so with sincere thanksgiving.
The scriptures are another precious source of light in our lives. Wherever you are with your personal study of the scriptures, I encourage you to continue seeking and learning. It’s never too late for us to open our hearts to the scriptures and be guided by their light.
As a lighthouse in a storm, the temple is an unwavering source of light and a symbol of safety. The unchanging doctrine of temple worship provides steadying constancy in a world of turmoil and uncertainty. Seek God in His holy house. For, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”
As you “put your hand into the Hand of God,” as you seek Christ, meaningfully study the scriptures, and make sacred covenants in the temple, the light of that “perfect day” will gradually increase. Indeed, you will become a part of that light yourself.
Serve Others
To lead others in the way that the Saviour led, in the way that He would have us lead, is to serve them. Often that service demands sacrifice and growth from us. Always, such service will help refine and sanctify us, changing our hearts and molding our characters to become more like our Exemplar, Jesus Christ, the greatest servant of all.
As you go out into the unknown, holding fast to pure sources of truth and light, let your mantra be “Whom can I serve?” Remember that Christ has counseled, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” In the Lord’s eyes, greatness is measured not by our personal achievements, but by the charity with which we treat His children.
How many ways will you each “lift up the hands which hang down?” I believe in your ability to serve humankind. More importantly, your Father in Heaven believes in you. He knows each of you personally, and He is reaching to give you His hand and to lead you. Go forth with joy, put your hand into the hand of God, and let Him guide you safely into the unknown.