The directive given in Proverbs 3:5-6 to put all our trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him in all things and walk in His path has been wise advice since it was penned anciently. This year, however, young men and young women around the world had a new opportunity to experience this scripture for themselves as it was selected as the youth theme for 2022. 

At the beginning of the year, the Young Men and Young Women general presidencies told youth, “You are called by a prophet to ‘lay the foundation of a great work.’ As we trust in Jesus Christ and seek to do His will, we make a difference!” (“A Great Work,” “For the Strength of Youth,” January 2021). 

Through the year, thousands of youth around the world focused on putting their trust in the Lord as they attended For the Strength of Youth conferences and learned what it means to trust the Lord more than trusting themselves or the innumerable voices encountered in their everyday lives. They learned about trusting God in their seminary curriculum, “Come, Follow Me” study, and the Children and Youth program. And they learned why trusting the Lord and having Him guide their path is of immeasurable worth in making decisions both large and small.

Laila Loureiro is a 17-year-old young woman from Fortaleza, Brazil.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Laila Loureiro, a 17-year-old young woman from Fortaleza, Brazil recounted: “When I was little, my testimony was based on that of my mother or my brother, but when I grew up and saw what the Lord was transforming in my life, I began to trust Him and put my life in His great hands. I saw how the Lord blessed me, even when I didn’t deserve it. I have such great faith in Him, I trust Him with everything in my life. I feel His love when He protects me, when He guides me, and when He offers me the companionship of the Holy Spirit to guide me and my testimony.” 

Fifteen-year-old Cristina Lucila Pacheco Becerra of Peru said she increased her trust in the Lord during the global pandemic. “When the pandemic started,” she explained, “it affected me a lot psychologically because it was a big change for me not being able to go to school, or go to church or leave my home. During that time, my family tried to strengthen ourselves spiritually, spending more time as a family and praying every night. We trusted that the Lord always had us in mind and that He would protect us from this virus. Trusting in the Lord and His will has helped me feel His love and know that He will always do what’s best for all of His children.”

Tess Darby, a 17-year-old young woman from San Clemente, California, is getting ready to graduate from high school and knows that her life is about to change as she enters young adulthood. She wrote: “At this point in my life, I know that I will need to make critical decisions over the next decade that will affect every aspect of my life and the path it will follow. I will have to decide where to attend college, what area of study to pursue, and how I want to live once I leave home.”

She said when she discusses the future with many of her friends who don’t seek to have the Lord in their lives, she notices that they are plagued with overwhelming stress and anxiety about the same major life decisions. 

Tess continued, “I feel extremely grateful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ sent me to earth with a plan and that because of the gift of personal revelation I can trust the Lord when I need to make any decisions in my life and they will help guide me.”

Maria Julia Severo is a 13-year-old from Brazil.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Maria Julia Severo from Brazil is 13, and she said that studying the scriptures helps her increase her trust in the Lord. While reading in 1 Nephi, there was a moment where she felt that the Lord trusted her and that she could trust Him. “Through the scriptures I can know Him and feel His love,” she added. “Serving in my class as well, by helping the young women I can understand that the Lord will always bless us. Trusting in the Lord brings me peace and hope.” 

Mariana Rebaza Cuba, a 17-year-old from Brazil, said fervent prayer and selfless service help her build trust in the Lord.  She explained: “I trust Him when I serve others and I see a smile of thanksgiving. I feel closer to Him because I feel His company and constant love in praying. In serving, I have known the tranquility and joy He felt when serving others.” 

Indeed, there are countless ways to increase our trust in the Lord and know for ourselves, through personal revelation, that He will certainly direct our paths in purposeful, personalized and joyous ways.

Young Women general presidency: President Bonnie H. Cordon, center, Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor, left, and Sister Rebecca L. Craven, second counselor, right.

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