Job's friend Bildad shares a number of depressing truths, including the justice of God and our sinful state. Book of Mormon prophets mirror some of his images, including a withering plant and a snare, but follow up with additional hopeful truths: our Redeemer will save us if we choose to repent.
Unto a Land That I Will Shew Thee
God consistently invited Abraham to find hope by visualizing a prosperous future. Lehi similarly encouraged his family by focusing on their destination, not on what they had left behind. Discouragement looks backward, but hope faces forward. We make wiser decisions when we pursue meaningful goals instead of merely reacting to unpleasant circumstances.
Shoots from Stumps
Isaiah foresaw a shoot growing from the fallen stump of King David's descendants—new life emerging from what seemed dead. Jesus, a descendant of David, fulfilled that prophecy once, and Joseph Smith fulfilled it again in a time of spiritual confusion and turmoil. God continues to bring shoots from the dead stumps in our lives.
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah expressed the joy he wanted his people to feel by encouraging them to "put on [their] beautiful garments." The phrase appears several times in the Book of Mormon and in Doctrine and Covenants 82. God wants us to celebrate our bright futuree. Temple worship and covenants can help us prepare for the Savior's return.
Farewell…Until
Three authors in the Book of Mormon say farewell to their future readers. All three assure us that we will see them someday. The gospel assures us that separation is temporary. The most important things we gain in life will endure beyond the grave.
Moroni’s Excellent Hope
Moroni had every reason to despair. His people had been destroyed, and he was alone. Yet he wrote extensively about the hope that we receive through the Spirit of the Lord, which helps us endure challenges and which prepares us to return to God's presence
Promised Light
After three days of darkness, when the light returned, the mourning of the Nephites and the Lamanites was turned into joy. Some of our "nights" may last weeks or months, but the promise remains: Morning will come; there will be joy.
You Can Do This!
Alma taught the humble Zoramites how to turn to God, and he expressed faith in their ability to do so with God's help. "All this can ye do if ye will," he said. Modern church leaders have expressed the same sentiment: You can do this!
Obtaining Hope
Jacob says that we obtain hope by searching the prophets and by receiving personal revelation. Hearing from many witnesses strengthens our faith and our hope and helps us align our lives with the will of God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Good Things to Come
Disciples of Jesus Christ embrace promises which have not yet been fulfilled and move forward with confidence. We visualize a bright future and trust in the Savior, who Paul called our "high priest of good things to come."