Have you ever felt the ground shift beneath your feet? When a challenge arises—an unexpected illness, a heartbreaking loss, a period of doubt—it can feel like the confidence you once had has crumbled. In those moments, it’s easy to feel alone and wonder where to turn for strength.
In a world full of uncertainty, where can we find a confidence that doesn’t break? A recent message from President Russell M. Nelson, shared on August 10 and based on his April 2025 general conference address, offers a beautiful and powerful answer.
He reminds us of a profound truth: there’s a difference between self-confidence, which can be fragile, and the spiritual confidence that comes directly from our relationship with God.
A Confidence Beyond Our Own
Life’s trials are inevitable. As President Nelson taught, “All of us will experience illness, disappointment, temptation, and loss.” These experiences can certainly shake our belief in ourselves. But for disciples of Jesus Christ, there is another source of strength to draw upon.
“When we make and keep covenants with God,” he explained, “we can have the confidence that comes from the Spirit.”
This is a hope that isn’t dependent on our own fluctuating abilities or perfect circumstances. It’s a strength born from a sacred partnership with God. By making and honoring our promises to Him, we open the door for Him to pour His strengthening power into our lives, helping us overcome whatever we are facing.
Six Truths to Hold On To
Sometimes, the path back to God can feel distant. President Nelson invited us to close that distance by trusting in six fundamental truths that can anchor our souls:
- Trust that you can draw near to God right now. You don’t have to wait until you feel “worthy” or until your storm passes. He is accessible to you in this very moment.
- Trust that your Heavenly Father hears you. He is intimately aware of your prayers, your silent pleas, and the deepest desires of your heart.
- Trust that He understands your needs better than you do. When you don’t know what to ask for, take comfort that He knows what you truly need.
- Trust that He loves you more than you can comprehend. His love for you is perfect, personal, and will never fail.
- Trust that He sends angels to be with you and those you love. You are not alone in your struggles. Heavenly help is closer than you think.
- Trust that He desires to help you reach your divine potential. He is your greatest advocate, cheering you on and guiding you toward becoming your best self.
The Simple, Powerful Key
So, how do we cultivate this kind of trust? How do we build this unshakable confidence? The Lord Himself gave us the key in a beautiful passage of scripture:
“Let thy bowels… be full of charity towards all men… and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45).
Here is the simple, actionable answer. The path to unshakeable confidence in God is paved with two powerful principles: charity and virtue.
When we strive to fill our hearts with pure, Christlike love for everyone around us, and when we invite goodness and purity into our minds, we draw closer to God. These actions cleanse our spirits and allow the Holy Ghost to dwell with us more richly, building our faith brick by brick.
This isn’t a distant goal for a future, more perfect version of ourselves. As President Nelson so lovingly affirmed, “Here is the key! We can do this.” We can choose today to be a little more charitable, a little more virtuous. And as we do, we will find our confidence in Him growing stronger, day by day.
He is always reaching for you, ready to help you overcome and fill you with a peace that the world cannot take away.
