Elder Wilford W. Andersen: 'The rock of our Redeemer'

A simple formula for lasting happiness — build "upon the rock of our Redeemer" — endures even today, Elder Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy explained during the Saturday morning session of general conference.

Elder Andersen cited early Mormons who fled west from Nauvoo in 1846 as examples of the powerful peace that can be brought about by building on "the rock of our Redeemer."

"These early [Nauvoo] saints were indeed homeless, but they were not helpless," he said. "Their hearts were broken, but their spirits were strong. They had learned a profound and important lesson. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. They had discovered that the true source of hope is faith — faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite atonement, the sure foundation upon which to build our lives."

According to Elder Andersen, another instance of afflicted believers finding comfort in their faith is found with the Haitian Latter-day Saints who began rebuilding their lives following a massive earthquake on Jan. 12.

"Though the faithful Haitian saints have suffered greatly, they are filled with hope for the future," he said. "Like the early pioneers in 1846, their hearts are broken, but their spirits are strong. They too, are teaching us that hope, and happiness and joy are not products of circumstance, but of faith in the Lord."

Elder Andersen taught that faith and hope combine to foster blessings that are available only through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

"Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope," he said. "If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith. …

"When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins, and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right."

"My message is to all who are worried or afraid or discouraged," he said. "My message is but an echo — a reminder of the constant comforting counsel from a loving Father to His children since the world began.

" '… remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation … a foundation whereon if men build, they cannot fall (Helaman 5:12).'"

To watch video of this talk go to ksl.com.