Brief summary

Elder Dale G. Renlund teaches that we can trust the Lord and His promises, even when our immediate circumstances are difficult or disappointing. By remembering God’s goodness, focusing our faith on Jesus Christ, and trusting in His Atonement, we can find peace and joy in the present and confidence in the future.

Key quotes and questions to discuss or ponder.

What lessons do you take from the story of Mr Martin? (Paragraphs 1-4)

What are some examples of “cold oatmeal” in our own lives — small disappointments that distract us from our blessings?

‘Jesus overcame the world; we do not have to do so ourselves. When our faith is centered on Jesus Christ, He promises spiritual peace no matter our circumstances. We can experience joy in our here and now because of Him and through our covenant relationship with Him.’ (Paragraph 10)

How does knowing that Jesus Christ has overcome the world change the way we face trials?

‘Faith in Jesus Christ frees us from uncertainty because our hope rests on His faithfulness and righteousness, not on our own.’ (Paragraph 11)

What is the difference between trusting in our own righteousness and trusting in the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

‘The Atonement of Jesus Christ permitted our Heavenly Father to give the Savior all power “in heaven and in earth.” The power of the Messiah to save and exalt is profoundly intimate and infinite beyond human comprehension; there is more than enough to cover any breach, need, or deficit for all of us, for each of us.’ (Paragraph 16)

What is Elder Renlund teaching us about the power and reach of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

‘Perhaps, like the children of Israel, you have doubted God’s care for you, His willingness to succor you, or His capacity to keep His promises. Yet God invites us to trust Him and His promises.’  (Paragraph 9)

Why do you think the Israelites repeatedly forgot the miracles God had performed for them?

‘As we reflect on the great things the Lord has already done and remember His goodness and mercy, we are better positioned to grasp the bigger picture and to rely on His promises to us. We can trust Him.’ (Paragraph 13)

‘We can trust the Lord, especially His promises.’ (Paragraph17)

What does it mean to trust God’s promises when our prayers do not seem to be answered in the way we hoped?

‘…brothers and sisters; there is no asterisk excluding you from God’s richest blessings. If you think there is, take out a big eraser and obliterate that asterisk. You can rely on God’s promises.’ (Paragraph 14)

Have you ever felt that God’s promises applied to other people but not to you? What might help you overcome that feeling?

Invitations

• Remember what the Lord has already done for you.
• Trust the Lord’s promises.
• Centre your faith on Jesus Christ.
• Erase the imaginary asterisk.
• Choose hope and gratitude today.

Application

When we remember the Lord’s goodness, we can see beyond today’s disappointments. When we trust His promises, we can face uncertainty with hope. And when we rely on Jesus Christ, we can find genuine peace and joy even before our trials are resolved.

You can watch Elder Renlund’s talk here.

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