I've been studying the topic of trust in the Book of Mormon lately. I've had a desire to know what trust means, what my part of trust is, and what God's part is. As I read the story of the people of Alma and the burdens placed on their backs in Mosiah 24, I was struck with how much faith they had. They cried "mightily to God" (Mosiah 24:10) unlike the people of Limhi who tried to "deliver themselves out of bondage" (Mosiah 22:1). The people of Limhi waited patiently upon the Lord to not only lighten their burdens in His timing, but also to deliver them in His timing.
This time in reading chapter 24 I realized that it doesn't say how long they were in bondage to Amulon and the Lamanites. It could have been a long time, but however long it was, they trusted that all things were in God's control, and it was. Sometimes it is easy to feel that we have to "fix" our lives by ourselves, especially when it seams that God is not listening, or when we want things fixed NOW. But this story is a good reminder that if we "hush our fears, and cry unto the Lord" (Mosiah 24:28) then things will really work out in the best way, His way.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Friday, April 7, 2017
The Book of Mormon
"If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far. However, once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study." - President Thomas S. Monson
For some reason (I hardly know why) that last couple of years I haven't enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon. I've NEVER doubted that it was true, but for some reason I've felt more connected to the Four Gospel and the Doctrine and Covenants, and often chose to read those over reading the Book of Mormon.
However, after hearing the above said by President Monson last Saturday during General Conference, the spirit very directly showed me that I needed to change. It also reminded of when Elder Bednar came to my mission and promised that if we read the Book of Mormon EVERY day that we would never fall away from the gospel.
This last week I have tried to be more diligent in not only reading, but STUDYING the Book of Mormon every day. Though it has only been 5 days, I can already feel a noticeable difference inside myself, reiterating to me how important studying the Book of Mormon every day is.
I know of people who say they are struggling with their testimony of the church.
Sometimes I think we forget, that while it is good, our testimony of the "Church" isn't what is most important and focusing on that distracts us from the most important thing. What is most important is our testimony of Christ and the church is merely the vehicle to keep that strong. Because the Book of Mormon is a testament of Christ. What better way to gain, or to strengthen your testimony of Christ then by reading the Book of Mormon.
If you are struggling with your testimony of the church I invite you to put that aside for now and focus instead on your testimony of the Savior. Whatever may bother you about the church, let it go for a little while and instead put all your effort into making the Savior your best friend. Think about Him, learn about Him, try to feel His love for you because it is always there. Learning about the Savior will always lead you to our Heavenly Father (and I would also add Heavenly Mother because I feel sure they are very alike and one in purpose, as my own parents are), whose love for you is without end.
I know that through reading the Book of Mormon we can get answers to ANY questions, and that you will gain more peace through it than any other way.
For some reason (I hardly know why) that last couple of years I haven't enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon. I've NEVER doubted that it was true, but for some reason I've felt more connected to the Four Gospel and the Doctrine and Covenants, and often chose to read those over reading the Book of Mormon.
However, after hearing the above said by President Monson last Saturday during General Conference, the spirit very directly showed me that I needed to change. It also reminded of when Elder Bednar came to my mission and promised that if we read the Book of Mormon EVERY day that we would never fall away from the gospel.
This last week I have tried to be more diligent in not only reading, but STUDYING the Book of Mormon every day. Though it has only been 5 days, I can already feel a noticeable difference inside myself, reiterating to me how important studying the Book of Mormon every day is.
I know of people who say they are struggling with their testimony of the church.
Sometimes I think we forget, that while it is good, our testimony of the "Church" isn't what is most important and focusing on that distracts us from the most important thing. What is most important is our testimony of Christ and the church is merely the vehicle to keep that strong. Because the Book of Mormon is a testament of Christ. What better way to gain, or to strengthen your testimony of Christ then by reading the Book of Mormon.
If you are struggling with your testimony of the church I invite you to put that aside for now and focus instead on your testimony of the Savior. Whatever may bother you about the church, let it go for a little while and instead put all your effort into making the Savior your best friend. Think about Him, learn about Him, try to feel His love for you because it is always there. Learning about the Savior will always lead you to our Heavenly Father (and I would also add Heavenly Mother because I feel sure they are very alike and one in purpose, as my own parents are), whose love for you is without end.
I know that through reading the Book of Mormon we can get answers to ANY questions, and that you will gain more peace through it than any other way.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Happiness
Alma 41:10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
I've been thinking about the peace that comes from living the commandments. True peace and happiness comes through living the gospel. Even When life gets hard, when trials come, we can still have that peace that comes from knowing the Heavenly Father is on your side and that you have done your part so that Heavenly Father can trust you. It reminds me of the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants that says when virtue garnishes our thoughts we can have confidence in the presence of the Lord. When keep the commandments, we can be happy because God is on our side.
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