When we make serious mistakes in life, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and feel doubtful of the future and about ourselves in general. We may feel that we have lost everything we hoped to achieve. We may have sunk beneath the stature of character we expect from ourselves, and that there is little we can do to correct the course we are on.

However, I know for myself that it is possible to find comfort through coming unto Christ, through prayer and talking to God with a sincere and humble heart, with trust in Him. He always wants us to have hope. I have truly come to know Him, through answers to my own prayers. Answers sometimes come through other people and events that address my needs perfectly, or in quiet thoughts, ideas and feelings that come to me as I pray. I have tasted of His love through prayer. Sometimes comfort and hope would flood over me from a source completely outside of myself, or in response to earnestly listening to His counsels in my mind and heart.

"O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart." (The Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 10:6)

I have learned by experience that when I make mistakes, God, our Heavenly Father, is warm beyond anyone I have ever known in bringing me comfort, peace and hope. He reminds me of my potential, of the virtues I have developed, of His love for me. He encourages me, tells me not to worry, and provides counsel. While sometimes He redirects my course, mostly He is simply there giving reassurance, regardless of how serious the error was.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (John 4:18)

When the love of God enters our hearts, the fear and discouragement, the despair, all dissipate. Like the darkness of a room being filled with the light of a lamp, or like the morning sun spilling light on the dark canvas of the sky, the love of God fills with hope. Hope and fear cannot be in the same place at the same time. The light will always cast out the darkness if we let it in. If you get on your knees, quiet your mind, be still, pray with confidence in His blessings and a desire to serve His children, then He will bless you, as soon as you are ready to receive it, with love, hope, and answers.