Trust in the Lord
When I was little, I asked A LOT of questions about everything. I recall my mom occasionally answering my questions with “don’t worry about it. It’ll all work out.”
I’m not sure if that was her way of shutting me up or her way of getting around the fact that she didn’t know the answer to my question. Either way, I trusted her answer.
This past week we celebrated the 4th of July. I am sure you are all familiar with the story of the “Star Spangled Banner”. If not, here is a quick summary.
In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem. The poem was originally titled “The Defence of Fort M’Henry.” It was written after Francis Scott Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. The poem was put to music and in 1931 it became America's national anthem.
In the 4th verse it says;
“Praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust"
The word TRUST is defined as a firm belief in the reliability or strength of someone or something.
The youth theme for this year is found in Proverbs 3:5-6. It reads;
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.”
With our changing world right now, it is easy to feel despair and worry. With Wars. Injustice. Hate. Violence. Pandemics. Turmoil in our families. Shifting morals in society. And an ever-present sense of darkness. There’s a lot going on around us that can make us feel frustrated, depressed, and even scared. While I know it is important not to minimize the problems of our day, we also shouldn’t let them paralyze us.
One of my favorite prophet’s is President Gordon B. Hinckley. He was known for his optimism. Even though he lived through the Great Depression, two World Wars, Vietnam, the September 11 attacks, and much more, he still found ways to stay optimistic.
He said:
“I have seen a good deal of this earth. I have been in areas where war rages and hate smolders in the hearts of people. I have seen the appalling poverty that hovers over many lands.… I have watched with alarm the crumbling morals of our society. And yet I am optimistic. I have a simple and solemn faith that right will triumph and that truth will prevail.”
Since there is so much in our world that we can’t control, I feel like President Hinckley has the right idea. It is better to try to have a positive attitude.
But there are also things in our lives that we can control. As youth we are faced with temptation and peer pressure. We have busy schedules with school, grades, sports, jobs, and extra activities. We strive to choose good friends and make good choices. Sometimes the stresses of all these things can overwhelm us and weigh us down.
The scripture in Proverbs reminds us to relax. To TRUST in the one person that will never let us down. When we have faith and allow God to guide our paths, we will see that life isn’t as bad as we think it is.
As we make big decisions, and even simple everyday choices, I hope we can keep in mind the motto from the Star Spangled Banner “IN GOD IS OUR TRUST”. I think if we do, we will see that my mom’s simple answer to my childhood questions is actually true. “It will all work out”
I want to close with a challenge to us all to follow President Hinckley’s counsel when he said;
“If you do your best, it will all work out.
Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.”
