“When we have questions or doubts, we may feel that the solutions are too complex or that finding answers is too confusing. May we remember that the adversary, even the father of all lies, is the architect of confusion.

“The Savior is the Master of simplicity.” 

(Elder Ryan K. Olsen, The Answer Is Jesus, October 2022, General Conference)

We have so many choices placed before us each day: what to eat, what to wear, where to work, how to spend our time, and what to believe. These are confusing times in that we receive so much information every day. Sifting through what is true and accurate, and what is inflated or ‘spun,’ and what is an outright lie can seem impossible at times. But it doesn’t have to be.

Years ago, after my first daughter was born, I felt impressed that she have a solid spiritual foundation. My search began for a church that would provide that foundation. Who knew there were so many churches? Or that there were so many different beliefs/perspectives? I investigated the traditional religions as well as the spirituality-based belief systems – from traditional Catholicism to Reformation to Pentecostal to Wiccan to Scientology. I remember how confused I was and how frustrated as there didn’t seem to be a clear answer – until I turned to the Lord.

Many of you reading this are probably thinking, “Duh! That should have been the first thing you did.” Yes and no (more about that shortly). But at that point in my life, I hadn’t been to church in several years and had relied on critical thinking to work through most challenges. I believe that that happens in our lives more than we like to acknowledge, even when we have a grasp of the gospel and a relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Savior. The Lord expects us to think about and reason out our decisions/choices (see Doctrine and Covenants 9:6-9) and then turn to him for confirmation or direction.

Once I turned to the Lord, I found my answer. I had determined that none of the organizations I had investigated had the full gospel. As I prayed for the Lord’s help and direction, I received it. And it was ‘simplicity’ as Elder Olsen said. The fog cleared, the confusion was gone, and the path forward was clear.

I encourage you to remember when you are faced with a decision or are struggling with what information to believe, that after you have reasoned to the best of your ability, you turn to the Lord for confirmation. Remember, the Savior is the Master of Simplicity.

Yours in Christ,

Audrey