The Lord lives and He speaks to the world through His prophet. That is the comforting message general conference gives to the world each six months. Mankind has not been left alone to wander the world in darkness, despairing amid uncertainties and trials, and guessing and groping for some meaning to it all.

The 181st Annual General Conference was no exception. In sharp contrast to a world where cynicism seems to be gaining an upper hand, and where natural disasters have left many with a feeling of hopelessness, the message the Lord delivered through His servants was of love, hope, charity, counsel for avoiding unnecessary problems and a reassurance that, through revelation, the Lord will look out for the temporal and spiritual needs of His children.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Church Welfare Program, which is a powerful example of such inspiration. Established during a time of economic depression and hardship, this program continues to bless lives worldwide even as it helps people regain and maintain a sense of dignity and purpose.

"I declare that the Welfare Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inspired of Almighty God," President Thomas S. Monson said, even as he spoke of how grateful he was for the program years ago when, as a young bishop, he presided over a ward that included 84 widows.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, said members worldwide will be asked soon to participate in a "Day of Service" to commemorate the anniversary of the Welfare Program. As is typical in a church directed by inspiration, he said "leaders and members will seek revelation as they design the projects."

Equally inspired has been the Church's ambitious, and often unheralded, humanitarian efforts. As President Monson noted, more than 70 tons of supplies have been sent to the people of Japan in the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Those supplies included food, water, blankets, bedding hygiene items, clothes and fuel.

As President Eyring noted, Church volunteers numbering 1,500 or more helped and comforted the victims of recent flooding in Queensland, Australia.

Temples also emerged as a theme of this conference. Three news ones — in Fort Collins, Colorado, Meridian, Idaho, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — were announced.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand that sacred temples provide necessary ordinances that bind families and allow God's children to re-enter His presence, while also spiritually empowering those who are worthy to enter covenants and perform ordinances. President Monson said 85 percent of Church members now live within 200 miles of a temple, a distance that no doubt will become even shorter as more temples are built.

In the past 30 years, 115 temples were built, compared with only 21 during the previous 150 years. That is a remarkable acceleration, and further evidence of the love of God for His children.

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live," President Monson said. "We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation."

For Latter-day Saints, conference is a time to humbly and eagerly set aside the things of the world and listen to inspired counsel from the Lord's anointed. The duty of all now is to study all that was said, and to learn through prayer and inspiration how to apply those things in order to bless our own lives and the lives of others.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, said, "I testify that the Lord speaks directly to His prophets and apostles today. ... Do not doubt. ... God loves you. He hears your prayers."

To members and non-members alike, the overriding message of conference was that prophets and apostles do walk the earth today, and their counsel points the way to happiness. Truth is obtainable. Life does, indeed, have meaning, and God has not left His children alone.