He Spoke I Went

As I was reading Psalm 18, I felt as though the Lord was gently recounting the story of my life back to me: “In my distress I called to the Lord… From his temple he heard my voice… He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters… My God turns my darkness into light.”

For many years, my trial was not brief or dramatic, but constant. There were long seasons of uncertainty, fatigue, and quiet pleading. I learned that crying out to God did not always bring immediate relief or answers, but it always brought His presence. He did not remove the trial, but He anchored me, steadied me, and gave me light sufficient for each day.

The Book of Mormon teaches this pattern. Alma testified, “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions.” (Alma 36:3) And in Mosiah we learn that the Lord did not immediately remove the burdens of His people, but “did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease.” (Mosiah 24:15) I have come to know that this strengthening power is real.

I have also come to know that one of the greatest ways the Lord provides that strength is through sacred covenants—especially temple covenants. When trials are long and heavy, covenants are not restrictions; they are anchors. They bind us to Jesus Christ and open our lives to His sustaining power. Even when I fell short, I felt the Savior reaching down, forgiving, and guiding me back toward light.

I love God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know the Restoration of the gospel is real and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Him. I know temple covenants matter—especially when deliverance comes slowly. I invite each of us to draw closer to the Savior by making and keeping sacred covenants and turning to Him in prayer, trusting that He will strengthen us to endure and, in His way and time, lift us—just as He has lifted me