Those caught in patterns of life that lead to unhappiness can, with the help of the Lord, permanently reform their course, promised Elder Richard G. Scott Sunday afternoon.

Elder Scott of the Council of the Twelve said any problem that violates the commandments of the Lord comes from Satan, and "the Lord can overcome all of Satan's influence through your application of righteous principles."In soft, almost pleading tones, he continued, "Please understand that the way back is not as hard as it seems to you now. Satan wants you to think that it is impossible. That is not true. The Savior gave His life so that you can completely overcome the challenges you face."

Elder Scott suggested that continuing along the familiar way leading to heartache may be inviting, but changing means taking an unfamiliar, uphill and narrow path.

"If it were possible to make your road very easy, you wouldn't grow in strength," he continued. "If you were always forgiven for every mistake without effort on your part, you would never receive the blessings of repentance. If everything were done for you, you wouldn't learn how to work, or gain self confidence, or acquire the power to change."

He counseled that in repentance, members should learn to give of themselves to others, and to overcome selfishness. "Selfishness is at the root of your problem. To succeed, you must conquer selfishness."

Elder Scott encouraged exercising faith and calling upon the strength of the Lord. "Don't live your life in despair, feeling sorry for yourself because of the mistakes you have made. Let the sunshine in by choosing to do the right things now."

He urged those making such a decision to immerse themselves in the scriptures. "Refresh your parched soul with the word of God." Systematically eliminate or overcome everything that contributes to the negative part of your life, he recommended. "Can you imagine stopping a car with one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake?"

He warned that rationalization can drain spiritual power. Another weakening influence is silently cheating on the promise to change.

"To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done."

He encouraged such people to reach trustingly to loved ones and ask for support. "Give them reason to know that this time is different because you will do it the Lord's way."

"I wish I could replace your doubt with my certainty, but I can't give it to you," he concluded. "I can provide an invitation. Please, decide now to repent and turn to the Lord. I promise you, in the name of the Lord, that as you resolutely strive to change and continue with real intent, you will receive the help of the Lord in your life."