THE HOPE OF GOD'S LIGHT: PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

ENTRANCE TO ENLIGHTENMENT

 

I have a cherished painting in my office that is titled Entrance to enlightenment. It was created by a friend of mine, the Danish artist Johan Benthin, who was the first stake president in Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

The painting shows a dark room with an open door from which light is shining. It is interesting to me that the light coming through the door does not illuminate the entire room-only the space immediately in front of the door.

 

But even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light- He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness.

 

 

LIGHT CLEAVETH UNTO LIGHT

 

 

There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth:

God's light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.

 

This is "the spirit of Jesus Christ," which gives "light to every man that cometh into the world."

 

so how do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light?

1. start where you are - The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of his light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.
2. turn your heart toward the Lord- Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear his voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see his light.
3. walk in the light- To the end, he sent his son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in his light, following in the footsteps of his beloved son, our savior.

 

LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS

 

Yes, we will make mistakes

Yes, we will falter

 

But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us. The darkness will surely fade, because it cannot exist in the presence of light. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. And day by day, the hope of God's light will grow within us,  "brighter and brighter until the perfect day."