As I was reading from some of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon this morning, I could not help but ponder the horrible state one of my children is in. She is by far the most miserable person I have ever known. She believes in God, but she does not believe Him. She prays, but she doesn’t listen.
As Alma is teaching the poor who have lost the privilege of worshiping in their synagogues because they are poor, he gives counsel that is priceless. We can worship God in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. This we have proven as we see our brothers and sisters in the poorest of nations blossoming with the Spirit, just as the Lamanites have done in the Book of Mormon. God is no respecter of persons. He loves all his children and blesses them according to their faith in Him. I believe strongly he aches to bless each one of us.
As I was reading these three chapters, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own “rescue” from a very dark abyss. I was miserable. My life had been spoiled, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize is that the Lord was humbling me. We cannot have the blessings we seek when we are not living in accordance to his commandments.
Amulek in Chapter 34 speaks such beautiful truths. The Son of God has suffered so that we might not have to suffer. What about this is so hard to understand? Why do some refuse to see the feast that others are enjoying and turn away because they don’t believe what they are doing is what is bring them joy? Amulek says in Chapter 34:31 that if “. . . ye would come forth and harden NOT your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, IMMEDIATELY shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.” Immediately!!! What does that mean to you? Well, I know from my personal experience that it means as soon as you start drinking from the waters of the gospel, you will begin to feel something. You cannot read the Book of Mormon with real intent without realizing it was written for you personally. The beautiful thing about this is that the more you read it, the more you come to realize this very thing and the more you want to continue reading.
Do I have the courage to post this in my scripture blog? I don’t know that it is even read. Not writing in it regularly is not a reflection on my diligence in studying my scriptures, but rather in being in a different place in my life currently. Things change and we need to be willing to change as well. My testimony of the gospel, as well as my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has never been stronger. They are the way to happiness in this life and eternal life after our experience on earth. I want to cry every time I read chapters as plain to understand as the three I read this morning. Come back!!! If you are lacking faith, do as Alma suggests in chapter 32. Try an experiment upon the “word”. If you’re sincere, it is impossible not to feel the Spirit of the Lord cheering you on and giving you the power to endure your trials until you feel the love of God so fully that you are in a constant state of happiness. Have your circumstances changed? Maybe not, but your mind and heart have changed which allows you to change your circumstances.
No comments:
Post a Comment