Mormons Told to Be of Good Cheer by Prophet on Palm Sunday

Salt Lake City, Utah – President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke by satellite broadcast to the 13 million members of the world-wide church on Palm Sunday.

The global economy has taken a nose dive, and the financial outlook remains to be grim. The morals of society continue to decline, and those who attempt to safeguard morality are often persecuted. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to add to these other challenges, members of the Church were told.

"It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future – or even fearful of what might come – if we allowed ourselves to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives," said President Monson. "Today, however, I´d like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the Church."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor to President Monson in the First Presidency, warned members that worldly solutions often fall short of lasting change.

"People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs, and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another ´new and improved´ solution that promises to do what the others before could not," said President Uchtdorf.

Worldly solutions do contain elements of truth, but they fall short on lasting change that so many need and want. Long-term solutions are found elsewhere, he advised.

"In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to our problems. It is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness," said President Uchtdorf.

Elder Steven E. Snow, a President of the Seventy, said solutions can be found by following the counsel of living, modern prophets. Mormons believe that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored just as it was anciently – with apostles and prophets as leaders.

"Life´s challenges and changes provide opportunities for us to grow as we exercise our agency in making righteous decisions," said Elder Snow.

He said that many of the changes that come with life can be predicted and prepared for, but asked about changes and setbacks that are sudden and unexpected.

"The answer is the same. By listening to the prophets, keeping an eternal perspective, having faith and being of good cheer we can face life´s unexpected challenges and get on with our lives," advised Elder Snow.

"None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges – and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives," said President Monson.

"I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the Gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us," counseled President Monson as he concluded his address.