Overcoming My Fear of Worshipping in the Temple

By Love Sabine Lucien

Fear doesn’t need to hold you back from receiving the blessings of the temple.

illustration of light pouring from the temple to a woman

Recently, I confided in my stake president that, although I’ve always had an active temple recommend, an unsettling fear was still preventing me from walking through the doors of that sacred place.

As a member of the Haiti Public Affairs Council, I even helped with events leading up to the dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple. So when my stake president asked why I didn’t want to attend the temple, I assured him that it wasn’t a lack of faith but a perfectionistic apprehension that I couldn’t overcome. I also explained that although I was raised in a gospel-centered home and still sought true discipleship, this fear prevented me from taking the next step.

It kept me at a distance, despite my sincere desire to enter. My stake president listened and encouraged me to pray and ask God to dispel the fear that was blocking my spiritual growth. As I prayed and reflected on my resolutions for the new year, I realized that it was time to stop depriving myself of God’s promised blessings because of my fear and doubts. I was determined to attend the temple and perform ordinances.

So I set a goal to participate in confirmations and told my stake president about my plans.

With great kindness, he responded with words that still resonate with me: “May the Light of Christ illuminate your steps as you walk the covenant path and overcome your fear.” These words, filled with gentleness and faith, gave me the strength and confidence to view this temple visit as not a challenge but an essential step on my spiritual journey.

Acting in Faith

My heart was pounding as I prepared to accompany my mother to the temple. It was a day that’s etched in my memory as one of the most significant spiritual moments of my life. Part of me was still nervous, but a stronger part was looking forward to what I would feel.

Just minutes before I even entered the temple, an unexpected phone call brightened my morning. I received confirmation that a travel authorization I had been praying for had finally been approved. Had it not been approved, I would have missed an important medical appointment outside of the country.

This news was a divine confirmation that the Lord had heard my prayers. My heart filled with so much happiness. I jumped for joy, realizing that God always answers us, even when He seems silent.

Strengthened by this, I finally walked through the temple doors, where I was greeted by the temple president and his wife. They were aware of the significance of this moment for me and knew of the fears that had previously held me back. Their gracious welcome and encouragement dispelled the last traces of my apprehension. I truly felt an indescribable peace.

As I participated in confirmations, every word resonated with my soul, bringing clarity and joy and reminding me that I was in a holy place. After the ordinance was complete, the temple president escorted me to the exit. This gesture, so simple yet so thoughtful, reinforced the welcoming feeling in the house of the Lord.

Reflecting on Divine Guidance

I understood that the Lord wanted to make sure that I did not doubt His will for me, and the words of President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) then came to mind: “Let us never lose sight of what the Lord is doing for us now. He is making His temples more accessible. He is accelerating the pace at which we are building temples. He is increasing our ability to help gather Israel. He is also making it easier for each of us to become spiritually refined. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.”

I’ve realized the temple is truly a refuge, a sanctuary where we can receive clear answers and infinite blessings. That experience transformed my life. Heavenly Father helped me overcome a fear that had long held me back, and He also reminded me of the merciful guidance He offers to those who trust in Him.

My heart is full of gratitude, and I now know that the temple is a place I will return to again and again, seeking light, direction, and peace.

The author lives in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.