Have you ever had “one of those days”? You know, one of those days when you just want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers up over your head? We’ve all experienced those difficult times when, even though we’d like to try it, eating all the ice-cream in the world won’t make the problems go away.

Perhaps, you have recently felt overwhelmed with the normal stresses of life. Or maybe you are now feeling the very real pain of a broken heart or other serious tragedy. You may be feeling completely alone and can relate to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when he cried from Liberty Jail, “O God, where art thou?” (D&C 121:1).

Even when life seems the darkest and relief seems so far away, I know that we are not left alone. Our loving Heavenly Father is extremely aware of our hurts and pains; our disappointments and despair. He is helping us more than we know.

I love the kind words of encouragement the Lord gives Joseph while he suffered in prison, “Therefore, hold on thy way…” (D&C 122:9).

Similarly, Christ offers you and me this same message to, “hold on thy way…” when we feel as though we are drowning under the currents of adversity. He is near to save us, comfort us, protect us, and love us.

Recently, I felt this during the October 2008 General Conference. I was feeling troubled, and I needed to feel the Spirit of the Lord. As Elder Holland spoke of the ministering of angels, I received the peace and comfort I longed for. I felt that the Lord was addressing me personally.

Speaking of Adam and Eve being sent from the Garden of Eden and from God’s presence, Elder Holland taught, “But God knew the challenges they would face, and He certainly knew how lonely and troubled they would sometimes feel. So He watched over His mortal family constantly, heard their prayers always, and sent prophets (and later apostles) to teach, counsel, and guide them. But in times of special need, He sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children, reassure them that heaven was always very close and that His help was always very near” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Angels,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 29–31).

The Comforter touched my heart, and reassured me that I was not alone. Heavenly Father is aware of me, and he is aware of you. He will not leave us alone.

My invitation is that, when life seems the darkest and you and I feel alone and overwhelmed, we remember to “hold on thy way.” As we hold on and trust that heavenly help is available and very near, we will make it through those times which feel impossible to navigate.