Some days are hard: perhaps a loved one has died, or a relationships feels irreparable, or it’s become increasingly hard to move forward with hope. Whatever you’re going through, know that you aren’t alone.
Elder Richard G. Scott advised that, when we are in the midst of adversity, we not ask why but rather ask, “What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? (“Trust in the Lord”).
How can you find peace when you are going through something really difficult?
Here is a list of resources that might help:
Podcasts
Latter-day Saint Women Podcast: Wendy Ulrich, “Finding Hope in Uncertainty”
All In: an LDS Living Podcast: David Morgan, “Practical Tips for Developing Emotional Resilience”
BYU Devotionals
Spencer W. Kimball, “Tragedy or Destiny”
Howard W. Hunter, “Fear Not Little Flock”
Camille Fronk, “In the World Ye Shall Have Tribulation: But Be of Good Cheer; I Have Overcome the World”
a blog post that includes counsel from five BYU devotionals on continuing on in the midst of pain:
“5 Thoughts for Your Worst Days”
Articles from Church Magazines
Henry B. Eyring, “God Can Help Us in Hard Times”
Bradley D. Foster, “Trials, Tribulations, and Trust in the Lord”
Articles Aimed at Youth
Breanna Call Herbert, “Be at Peace When Your Life Is in Pieces”
John Bytheway, “Five Scriptures That Will Help You Get through Almost Anything”
David Dickson, “Your 9-point Survival Guide for Hard Times”
10 Favorite General Conference Talks
President Henry B. Eyring, “Try, Try, Try”
Jeffrey R. Holland, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Forget Me Not”
Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were With Him”
Elder David A. Bednar, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord”
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come”
Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Angels”
Wilford W Andersen, “The Rock of Our Redeemer”
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May, and Love It”
Henry B. Eyring, “Mountains to Climb”
Books
“Lighten Up”, Chieko N. Okazaki
“For Times of Trouble”, Jeffrey R. Holland
“Be Not Troubled”, Ronald A. Rasband
“The God Who Weeps”, Terryl & Fiona Givens
“Enduring the Refiner's Fire”, David T. Morgan
Videos
“Your Great Adventure: Overcoming Life’s Obstacles”
When an experienced runner decides to train for a 100-mile ultramarathon in a hostile desert, he discovers, through God, parallels between the race and his own, earthly journey.
“Hear Him to Find Peace During Turbulent Times”
Life's trials stretch beyond the current pandemic. To endure, we must fill our personal storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony. When we seek to hear Him, we will be guided in any circumstance.
“The Miracle of Hope”
Through trials, turmoil, and when facing insurmountable odds, our spiritual longings can help us discover the miracle of hope through the perfect brightness of the Savior’s love for each of us.
“Campfires of Faith”
Elder Gong teaches us that focusing on the light of faith causes darkness to lose its power and enable us to take action on the answers we receive.
“Feeling the Lord's Love and Goodness in Trials”
When Darlyn learned of her illness, she feared she wouldn’t see her children grow up. But through her trial, she felt the Lord’s love and immense goodness.
“The Savior Heals All Wounds”
Richard Norby’s story about being injured in the Brussels Airport bombing in 2016.
“Reach Up to Him in Faith”
President Russell M. Nelson teaches that just as the woman who was healed by touching the robe of Jesus, we can receive strength and direction by reaching out to Him as well.
“Hope Works” collection
In a TED Talk format, Hope Works brings presenters to the stage with life lessons through a gospel lens. Women and men speak about integrity, coping with tragedy, spiritual understanding, and harnessing a bright future while embracing your uniqueness.
Emotional Resilience Class
Our stake offers Self-Reliance classes each year, and one of the subjects is Emotional Resilience. These classes are led by members of the stake and offer a chance to learn together and share experiences in a small group setting. If you’re interested in joining a class, please reach out to your Relief Society or Elders Quorum president. Click here for more information.