Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
We receive this in our own day as well. For example, a modern-day apostle, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the “Mormons”) has said, “Trust in God … no matter how challenging the circumstance. … Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ” (“The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 76, 78).
But how can we develop that kind of faith—the kind of faith that will see us through to put our trust in the Lord, rather than in what we can see and understand through our own logic? Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Quorums of the Seventy suggests four keys. Following are his keys along with my own explanations:
1. Learn. Learn of the Lord and His will and commandments for us. Some ways we can do this include studying the scriptures and attending church with a desire to really gain from the proceedings.
2. Listen. Listen to what the Lord is telling us through His servants and through the Holy Ghost.
3. Seek the Spirit. Be in situations where the Spirit can dwell. Stay away from places and situations that would offend the Lord and His Spirit.
4. Pray always. As we draw near the Lord in prayer — constantly, not just once or twice — we invite His Spirit and we open our hearts to what the Lord would have us know and do. (Keys from W. Craig Zwick, “The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand,” Ensign, Nov 2003, 34)
These keys can help us lay a foundation that will lead us to faith in the Lord. Elder Scott suggests some other principles that when practiced can help our faith grow:
- Obey His commandments and live to demonstrate that He can trust you.
- Be sensitive to the quiet prompting of the Spirit.
- Act courageously on that prompting.
- Be patient and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and answers come a piece at a time over an extended period. (“The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 76, 78)
.
The development of faith is not easy. We don’t always see the results of our acts of faith immediately. Sometimes we don’t see them at all. Nevertheless, the development of faith and acting upon it is a necessary step in our ongoing spiritual growth.
