Study Guide for "Trust in the Lord"

In this talk, Elder Paul B. Pieper discusses the importance of trust in the Lord and how it is the foundation of our relationship with Him. He shares personal experiences and scriptural examples to illustrate the benefits of trusting in God, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties. He also provides guidance on how to build and strengthen our trust in God.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Pieper mean when he says that trust is the foundation of all relationships?
How does Elder Pieper suggest we can build our trust in God?
What are some of the challenges that might hinder our trust in God and how does Elder Pieper suggest we overcome them?
What does Elder Pieper say about God's trust in us?
How does Elder Pieper use the story of Nephi to illustrate the importance of trust in God?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Trust in Our Relationship with God

Elder Pieper emphasizes that trust is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. He explains that while being a spirit son or daughter of Heavenly Father provides a foundation, it does not automatically create a meaningful relationship. This relationship can only be built when we choose to trust in God.

Trust is the foundation of all relationships.

A relationship can be built only when we choose to trust in Him.

Why is trust considered the foundation of all relationships?
What role does trust play in our relationship with God?
How can you actively work on building your trust in God?
Can you recall a time when your trust in God strengthened your relationship with Him?

Recognizing God's Trust in Us

Elder Pieper discusses how Heavenly Father has shown His absolute trust in us by giving us the freedom to make our own choices. He emphasizes that God's goal is not just for us to do what is right, but to choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him.

For His part, Heavenly Father has worked from the beginning to communicate His absolute trust in the divine potential of each of His children.

[His] goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him.

How does God show His trust in us?
What is God's goal in giving us the freedom to make our own choices?
How does understanding God's trust in you affect your choices and actions?
Can you recall an experience where you felt God's trust in you?

Overcoming Challenges to Trusting in God

Elder Pieper acknowledges that negative experiences with imperfect mortals may impact our willingness to trust in a perfect Heavenly Father. He encourages us to learn more about God's character, attributes, and purposes, and to trust in Him despite our past experiences.

Once betrayed, we may struggle to trust again. These negative trust experiences with imperfect mortals may even impact our willingness to trust in a perfect Heavenly Father.

If prior loss of trust is keeping you from trusting God, please follow Leonid’s example. Patiently continue to learn more about Heavenly Father, His character, His attributes, and His purposes.

What might cause us to struggle with trusting in God?
How can we overcome these challenges to trust in God?
Are there any past experiences that are hindering your trust in God? How can you overcome them?
What steps can you take to learn more about God's character and attributes?

Learning to Trust God Through Challenges

Elder Pieper shares his personal experience of trusting in God during a challenging time in his life. He emphasizes that sometimes the best way to learn to trust God is simply by trusting Him, especially when faced with challenges that stretch us beyond our own capacity.

Sometimes the best way to learn to trust God is simply by trusting Him.

I had fallen backward, and it now appeared that no one was going to catch me.

What does Elder Pieper mean when he says "Sometimes the best way to learn to trust God is simply by trusting Him"?
How did Elder Pieper's personal experience illustrate the importance of trusting in God during challenging times?
Can you recall a time when you learned to trust in God by simply trusting Him during a challenge?
How can you show your trust in God when facing challenges in the future?

Strengthening Our Trust in God Through Personal Invitations

Elder Pieper discusses how God extends us personal invitations to strengthen and deepen our trust in Him. He uses the story of Nephi to illustrate how consistently and continuously trusting in God can strengthen our relationship with Him.

God uses the same pattern with us. He extends us personal invitations to strengthen and deepen our trust in Him.

O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever.

What does Elder Pieper mean when he says God extends us personal invitations to strengthen our trust in Him?
How does the story of Nephi illustrate the process of strengthening our trust in God?
Can you recall a time when you responded to a personal invitation from God to trust in Him?
How can you actively seek and respond to God's personal invitations to trust in Him in the future?