When circumstances seem out of our control, it can be easy to feel discouraged. But the Lord has provided many tools to help us find light, no matter how dark things seem.
According to Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, one of the best ways to maintain hope is to read the scriptures. In his new book After All We Can Do, he writes, “When you are discouraged, go to the scriptures, and the Spirit will guide you to find the balm of Gilead. Light will enter your mind and the Spirit of the Lord will help you to find answers to your questions” (108, emphasis added).
Here are three insights from Elder Uchtdorf about how reading the scriptures can help us combat discouragement.
1. Even a Few Minutes Matter
Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges that while reading the scriptures may sound like a simple solution, it can help us stay close to the Lord. And we don’t need to read for long to experience this divine connection, either. He writes:
“It is not a new suggestion to read the scriptures every day—this basic practice keeps us tethered to the Lord. All the prophets since the Restoration of the gospel have instructed us to read the scriptures daily. I promise that if you spend even a few minutes studying each day, the Lord will speak to you through those scriptures. His message of comfort and hope will reach through any darkness you face. If we open our eyes of understanding and are ready to be taught by the Spirit, we will hear and we will learn.” (108, emphasis added)
Consistency is key to learning from the Lord, and we can trust that His grace and guidance can reach even our most feeble efforts. Even when choosing whether to read your scriptures can feel like a “seemingly small and simple [decision],” Elder Uchtdorf believes this spiritual habit “[carries] the potential of bringing great hope ... into your life” (106).
2. Memorize Verses to “Doubt Not, Fear Not”
Elder Uchtdorf suggests we can prepare for discouraging moments by committing comforting scriptures to memory, keeping them at the forefront of our minds and hearts. He writes:
“Memorize some verses that are meaningful to you so that you always have them ready in times of despair. Establish a sacred storehouse of memory filled with precious scriptural nuggets. This is one of the ways we accept the Savior’s loving admonition found in Doctrine and Covenants 6:36: ‘Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.’” (108)
As we focus on uplifting verses, we can “[bring] into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” as the Apostle Paul taught. This practice will help us “always remember Him” and manage feelings of discouragement.
3. The Perfect Place to Begin
Ultimately, scriptures can soothe our souls because they lead us to the Source of hope. And no matter where we are or what our current scripture routine looks like, we can always return to Him and His light.
“The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul (see Alma 34:31). The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.”
For more resources about finding hope in the scriptures, check out these articles:
▶ The soothing one-liner from Psalms you may need right now
▶ 2 scriptural cases for optimism when your day feels dark
▶ This hidden gem in Doctrine and Covenants is the ultimate comfort scripture
