But as we went through the temple, from the baptismal font to the locker rooms to the sealing rooms to the other various ordinance rooms, I began to catch glimpses out windows of an ever darkening sky. And it was not due to the late hour; no, after helping some guests find their way to the parking lot, I sat in front of a pair of exquisitely designed glass paneled wooden doors looking out the north side of the building. Almost as if on cue, the wind began to pick up as I watched the storms clouds come rolling in. As the wind picked up, the freshly planted sapling trees on the temple grounds began to bend and sway, almost touching the ground.

Mesmerized, I watched enormous clouds of dust from the Point of the Mountain gravel pit fill the sky and when mixed with the dark clouds, the view looked pretty bleak indeed. And in that moment, as the wind began to roar and push against the very doors of the temple, a lesson began to unfold in my mind, one that cemented itself in my soul and which I want to share with you today.

Those who desire to follow Jesus Christ and his Gospel know full well that this world is on a collision course with wickedness. The storm clouds of evil seem to be rolling in with an every increasing rate and the fierce winds of opposition are blowing, seeking to knock down what is right and even the rights of Christians all over the world. Sin is flooding the land like a devilish downpour and the dust of Satan's temptations are blinding the eyes of so many. Persecutions will come, trials will appear and standing for eternal truth will require more and more strength as time marches on.

As I listened to the roaring of the wind and watched the rain begin to fall, all from the warmth and safety of the temple foyer, the Spirit whispered to me that the temples of God will be some of the last safe havens from the storm in the days to come. The winds of "change" may rage, the dust of temptation may blow and the dark clouds of opposition may form on the horizon, but as long as we stand with God we will be safe from the storms of life.

As President Thomas S. Monson testified, "The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. 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. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified."

Standing inside the safety of the temple walls that night, I knew with a conviction that I cannot deny that the temples truly are the houses of the Lord and that if we seek him therein, we will find blessings beyond description.

If you're not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have questions about our temples, please visit this page or I know our missionaries would love to come talk to you about them.