I was sitting inside of the Newport Beach LDS Temple on Saturday night — yeah, I know how to party when visiting southern California — when a temple worker and I had a brief but meaningful conversation.
He asked where I’m from, which led me to telling him about my travel-intensive sports writer job (this Californian likes the Utah Jazz, by the way) and my personal challenge of visiting as many LDS temples as I can this season. I explained that I’d kind of fallen away from the Mormon church to some degree. I’m working on my relationship with God, and my temple tour is one strategy to help keep me on the straight and narrow while I’m on the road.
The thoughtful man, who was dressed in all white clothing, leaned over and said he wanted to share a scripture from the Holy Bible that’s helped him during the many years that he’s been alive, as he put it. Whispering in reverent tones, he recited a powerful passage from the Book of Nahum (Chapter 1, Verse 7) in the Old Testament.
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Trusting in God and having faith to follow His way even in challenging times leads to happiness, the volunteer temple worker explained in his own words. As that scripture points out, not only is the Lord good, but He is also a strong hold in the day of trouble. He is our greatest lifeline. He is our safety net. He is a warm hug on a cold day. [Read more…]