“Where to Turn for Hope, Peace, and Purpose When Life Changes,” Liahona, Dec. 2024.
Young Adults
Where to Turn for Hope, Peace, and Purpose When Life Changes
The knowledge of the gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ brings hope, peace, and purpose in this Christmas season.
Illustration by Benedetta C. Vialli
During our mortal journey, we will all face experiences that can help us become better disciples of Jesus Christ. However, our life circumstances will often change, and that can require us to adjust our way of living.
Nevertheless, there is hope for those who “look unto [Christ] in every thought” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36), and there is “hope for a better world” and a better future for those who believe in God (Ether 12:4).
The scriptures teach, inspire, and show us how those in the past—before, during, and after Christ’s mortal ministry and mission—responded to their circumstances. For example, the prophet Lehi in the Book of Mormon was commanded by the Lord to leave his home and all his possessions, flee into the wilderness with his family, and make his way to an unknown destination. During the journey, Lehi faced opposition, heartache, anxiety, pain, and disappointment. These experiences prepared him and his family for the promised land.
Many of us face challenges like Lehi did. Some may be concerned about their family, marriage, education, or employment. Others may feel far away from Heavenly Father and the Savior Jesus Christ because of poor choices or may feel alone because of moving to another town or school.
This Christmas season gives us a special opportunity to focus on the peace Jesus Christ offers us. No matter your feelings, circumstances, or location, remember that miracles can happen as you “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20).
A Time of Uncertainty and Unrest
While serving as a missionary in the Côte d’Ivoire Abidjan Mission in 1998, I heard about the political unrest and social situation in my country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Every day, I went out with my companion to proselyte. When I introduced myself and mentioned that I was from DR Congo, people would tell me about the gravity of what was going on between the government and rebel groups there—particularly in Kinshasa, the capital city, where my family lived. I was heartbroken to hear that people in my country were going hungry and that many people had been killed.
I reached out to my caring and concerned mission president to find out if he knew any more regarding the situation or if he had received any information about my family. I felt hopeless and cried for hours. I wanted to give up. I felt that the Lord had forsaken my family and me.
My companion and other missionaries offered support and care during this time. When I was about to quit, Elder Joseph Wheeler, a good friend of mine, shared a scripture I will never forget.
In 1830 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation for Thomas B. Marsh. Thomas had recently been baptized and ordained an elder in the Church. He had also been called to preach the gospel. At that time, Thomas needed some assurance. The Lord tells Thomas through the Prophet:
“Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.
“Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.
“Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. …
“Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:1–3, 5; emphasis added).
This was the answer I was seeking. I was doing the Lord’s work, and the knowledge and truth of the gospel and Atonement of Jesus Christ brought hope and purpose in my life during that time of uncertainty.
Four Principles to Find Peace
The following four principles can help you when you do not know where to turn for hope, peace, and purpose in your life:
1. Believe that there is hope and a solution to the emptiness or discouragement you feel. Hope is found in Jesus Christ, His Atonement, and His gospel. The Savior said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). With Him, you always have hope for that abundant life.
2. Be joyful regardless of the circumstances or challenges of your life. Our beloved prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has taught:
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him.”
Even when you “shall weep and lament, … the world shall rejoice” because of Jesus Christ, and “your sorrow shall be turned into joy. … And your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:20, 22).
3. Be compassionate and serve others. The Savior Jesus Christ “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Pray for the strength to be an answer to someone else’s prayer. Smile, talk, and walk with those around you. Listen to them and make time for them. Encourage, share what you know to be true, and forgive others. These simple acts will have a profound impact on you and others.
4. Repent and strive to keep your covenants. President Nelson has taught:
“Because the Savior, through His infinite Atonement, redeemed each of us from weakness, mistakes, and sin, … as you truly repent and seek His help, you can rise above this present precarious world. …
“Despite the distractions and distortions that swirl around us, you can find true rest—meaning relief and peace—even amid your most vexing problems.”
If you repent and strive daily to keep the covenants you have made with your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ at baptism and in the temple, President Nelson has taught that you will have “increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.” His power “strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way.”
You are a son or daughter of a loving and caring Heavenly Father. He desires you to progress and have joy, which is possible only through His Son, Jesus Christ, whom we can strive to always remember during this Christmas season—and every season after. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring hope, peace, and purpose to your life.