inspire

From Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L Millet: Hope that saves is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and leads one to it hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Hope is not merely wishful thinking, fantasizing, or emotional escapism. It is a moving confidence and a firm expectation of eternal life that comes from trusting in and following the Savior (see Mormon Doctrine, pp. 365-66). The hope that is an anchor to the souls of men is riveted to the infinite and eternal sacrifice of the Lord. It is by reason of the Atonement that we have hope for a better world. Hope in Christ that flows from faith is an abiding confidence in the fulfillment of God's promises and covenants to us. It is an inner peace that results from a personal relationship with Deity. This active hope in Christ makes one "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." From Book of Mormon usage of the concept of hope it appears that hope is linked to the change of heart that comes with "faith unto repentance. " Faith leads one to desire righteousness, which in turn leads to repentance and a change of heart, which brings hope. Such hope leads one to continue to abound in righteousness and to a yearning for eternal associations with the pure in heart and those whose garments have been made white by the blood of the Lamb. Elder John H. Groberg declared: "The basis of all righteous hope is the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Him all hope has its existence. Without Him there is no hope. But because He was and is and ever will be, there was, is, and ever will be hope . . . . In Christ who lives and loves and works miracles now, there is always hope." You may notice in the scriptures that "hope" is most often grouped with "faith" and "charity" (in the middle). It is my belief that true hope is brought about by that "mighty change of heart." Basically, it is a confidence that we are on the right path... manifestations of the Spirit that our obedience and faithfulness is producing abundant blessings. From there, active hope produces "charity." I wish I could explain it better, but in my head it all makes sense.

Hello, I'm new to the site (my first post). Please bear with me as I get the jist of how things work around here. Several months ago, my wife and I received the promptings that we need to get our "house in order" by the end of the summer (complete year's supply, debt-free, good gospel habits, etc.) I know these things are personal and pertain to my family and stewardship, but I can't help but raise my eyebrows when I hear of other family members, friends and fellow ward members who have had very similar impressions. It could be that the economic tide has turned in the states, that more and more signs of calamitites are being manifested (on a daily basis, it seems), which has made me and others take a good look of where we are and what could happen. I'm not saying that something "bad" is eminently forthcoming, but I've just had this ominous feeling for the last year or so. I don't want to get myself worked into a frenzy, but I'm not about to deny the promptings that have come our way. Any thoughts on how to stay even-keeled during these tumultuous days?