Am I on the Right Path? General Conference Helped Me Recognize God’s Guidance in My Life
I had questions going into general conference. I wanted more than anything to feel confirmation that I was on the right path.
Audience members in the Conference Center.
There were several insights I gained from the April 2019 general conference, but one message I heard louder and felt stronger than all the others was this: See the world through eyes of faith by counting your many blessings and trusting in your Savior, Jesus Christ.
I had questions going into conference that revolved around my work and my family. I wanted more than anything to feel confirmation that I was on the right path.
The confirmation I was yearning for came as I stood with the congregation in the Conference Center and sang the third verse of the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (Hymns, no. 72). The words pierced my soul and brought tears to my eyes. I could feel the warmth and peace of the Spirit overpower my insecurities and anxieties as I pondered the words to the hymn:
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee.
Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.
I realized that in order to feel happy about my work and my family, I need to recognize that the Lord is in control. The Lord was prospering me; I had failed to see it. When I opened my eyes to all that has happened in my life last year—graduating college, finding my first full-time job, and getting married—I was able to see how much the Lord has blessed me. Comparing myself to others had robbed my joy. My negativity and frustration blinded me and kept me from seeing with faith.
As I looked around the Conference Center at the thousands of faithful Latter-day Saints joined in this beautiful hymn, I felt the goodness of God. His love pressed upon my heart. I was reminded that it is by following Him that I can find true happiness. Sister Becky Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, referenced this idea in an earlier session as she stated: “Can happiness be bought with $15? No, it can’t. Deep and lasting happiness comes by intentionally and carefully living the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 11). In order to recognize the Lord’s goodness and mercy, I need to be intentional in my relationship with Him.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do,
Who with his love doth befriend thee.
“Ponder anew.” This was the phrase that hit me the most. As I reflected on all that the Lord has done for me and my family, I realized that I can do better to acknowledge His hand in my daily life. I can do better at trusting Him. I felt a strong desire to spend more time pondering and meditating on “what the Almighty can do.”
I was reminded that I cannot make it back to my Father in Heaven alone; I need of the help of others. I looked to my left at my mother who was seated next to me. It was her first time to attend general conference in the Conference Center, and you could see the light in her face. I looked to my right at my husband. We’re four months into marriage and figuring out all that comes along with it. I felt the Spirit testify that both my mother and husband are evidence of the goodness of God and the love He has for me. They help me and support me along my journey on the covenant path.
How grateful I am for the Savior and His friendship. During this hymn, I felt the quiet assurance that if I would simply have faith, be grateful, and trust Him, I would continue to feel His guidance and approval. I felt this again as President Russell M. Nelson closed the Sunday morning session by testifying of the power of repentance and the Savior’s invitation to, “Come, follow me.”
Praise to the Lord who has given me every good thing and reminded me of that during this general conference.