Today in church we had a lesson that really inspired me. It so happens that we have possibly the best sunday school teachers in the whole of the church. Each Sunday is an inspirational lesson, I kid you not. I received a little insight today, however, which I feel inspired to share.
The lesson was not closely related to the topic, but someone made a comment to the effect of, "the Lord has already felt our trials so that he may have empathy for us and we never need feel that we are alone." Well, this simple truth brought about another simple truth to my mind...
The Lord has felt every ounce of our pain whether it be mentally, physically, or spiritually. He also overcame each of our trials perfectly. He knows how to overcome them and if we let go of our limited mortal understanding and lean on Him, having faith in His all-encompassing Atonement, He will lead us perfectly through any trial we may face.
The Lord has felt every ounce of our pain whether it be mentally, physically, or spiritually. He also overcame each of our trials perfectly. He knows how to overcome them and if we let go of our limited mortal understanding and lean on Him, having faith in His all-encompassing Atonement, He will lead us perfectly through any trial we may face.
I've already written about some skewed ways of thinking I have faced due to previously mentioned trials. Shortly after Ken and I were married all those thwarted perceptions were closing in on me at an alarming rate. I was acting as if I were frantically grasping for someone to pull me out of my surrounding mental chaos. I knew something was wrong with my thought process, due to the insights of various people (not a kind thing to do, mind you), I just didn't know what or how to fix myself. The only thing I could think to do was to pray.
I got on my knees and literally, begged the Lord to save me. I told Him I knew there was something wrong with me, but I didn't know what to do.
I cannot convey to you what exactly took place after that. The only thing I know is that an absolute miracle occurred in my life. Slowly the Lord revealed to me the reasons for my thought processes- the occurrences that had happened to manipulate my mind. I was able to slowly process each situation and move beyond them (i.e. my dad and Vietnam, abusive situations in dating relationships, etc.) I feel I need to emphasize that I did nor do not intend to place blame, but just wanted to understand myself and the incorrect perceptions I was faced with.
I know without a shadow of a doubt that our loving Heavenly Father heard my prayer. I know that Christ has dealt with my specific problems. I know that He knew how to overcome them though I did not. I know that because I exhibited faith in Him, He showed me through His perfect knowledge how to heal my mind. I know the Lord can and will heal all wounds according to our faith and His will. I cannot convey to you the miracle that took place that night. His Atonement is so miraculous that He literally can change the very makeup of our minds. All the pain, suffering, abuse, loss, etc., we feel in this life cannot stand against the Lord's power. He can lift us out of any black abyss that we may face. He can fill any void that we insatiably try to fill. He did that for me. I know I am the woman I am today because of the Lord's hand in my life. He has guided me to tremendous growth and I can add this to the life long list of things I am both indebted to and ever grateful for. This hymn (#124) helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;
trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
I also know that if you ever feel lost; if you ever feel alone, afraid, or trodden down He will never leave you comfortless. He will come to you. He stands at the door and knocks. It is up to you to open the door. Let His love and light consume you.
"Be Still, My Soul"
1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;
trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
I also know that if you ever feel lost; if you ever feel alone, afraid, or trodden down He will never leave you comfortless. He will come to you. He stands at the door and knocks. It is up to you to open the door. Let His love and light consume you.
