Relief Society

Trust in the Lord
By Kathy Sonico, 1st Counselor, RS

As I have reflected on the events of the last few months, I have felt the calming peace that the glad message of the Gospel has given to all of us. This year the theme for our ward Relief Society is taken from Proverbs 3: 5-6. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. Through revelation the Lord has given to our prophets and his servants, we have been given guidance and direction to help bring us though difficult times. We must have faith and “Trust in the Lord” to help us and we must share that message with others.

As we as sisters go to the Lord in prayer, study the scriptures and listen to the Lord’s servants, we are given strength to help us and assist others in these difficult times. I look at the programs the Lord has given us, in this church to help us spiritually and physically to do this. Visiting teaching has been given to us to bring us closer to one another and to assist in times of need. Our ward preparedness program is there to help us to become physically prepared and self reliant in times of need and disaster. The Welfare program has been given to us for times of extreme need. Our most recent March Ensign is full of words of comfort, guidelines and directions from our Prophet and leaders. Sister Julie B. Beck Relief Society general president tells us in the article entitled ‘Focusing on the Lord’s Work of Salvation’,

“Relief Society helps provide defense in these perilous times. Sunday lessons, Relief Society activities and meetings and visiting teaching are how we do the Lord’s work and strengthen individuals and families.

Though we are confronted with issues such as divorce, disobedience, debt, depression, apathy, and addiction we cannot forget that we also live in a day when the Lord’s Spirit is poured out upon us. This is a day when the gospel is being preached throughout the world, when the children of Israel are being gathered, when temples are upon the earth, and when we have the protection of priesthood covenants and ordinances.

We must ask for a broader vision to see what the Lord sees. This work is bigger than we realize. We can be successful against a deceitful and determined enemy. Our homes can and should become places of refuge.”

What comfort these programs and messages give! I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and his son, our Savior who has not left us alone in our times of need. I am grateful for our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and the Lord’s servants here upon this earth. May all of us feel the peace and joy that is given to us as we listen to them and “Trust in the Lord.”

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