Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 6:1
"Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is they beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee."
I've been wondering who this woman is being spoke of. I think in this chapter I have determined it is The Church. In this verse it is speaking of the apostasy where the primitive church of Jesus Christ is taken from the earth. Then later of its return.
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 5:2, 6
"I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no answer."
As this person heard the voice of the Savior he fumbled to get to the door and open it. When he got there the Savior was gone. It made me think of listening to the spirit. If I do not act when called the prompting of the spirit will leave me.
Is the Savior really gone or the spirit too? No. For I am reminded of a story just related to my husband and I as we ministered to a sister who husband recently passed. Her daughter called her late one night she had lost her car keys while shopping at the store. As this sister prayed for her daughter she was impressed to ask that her husband be allowed to make the keys visible to their daughter. She thought that an interesting thing to ask. Not that they would be found but that they would be made visible. Within seconds of her prayer her daughter called back. She had found the keys. She had gone back to a shirt that she had looked at, put in her cart and then returned to the rack. Somehow the keys had gotten caught on the hook and were there hanging from it. It was a testimony that her father was not very far and God is watching out for them and answers prayers. The keys were never gone, they just were not visible at the moment.
The Savior can be standing at the door. The Holy Ghost can be speaking to me, but it is I that does not have eyes that see or ears that hear.
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 4:7
"Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee."
Just like the unspotted sacrificial animals the Savior himself would be unspotted from the world. Only He was able to give the ultimate sacrifice for my sins.
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 3:4
"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me."
This made me ponder on how great love for the Savior makes me desire to introduce him to others. For out of love for the Savior the gospel is preached. So others can come to know Him too.
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 2:8
"The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills."
This verse reminded me of a story related in sacrament meeting this week. The speaker attended a leadership training meeting with Elder Renlund the day before our special stake conference. Elder Renlund spoke of the energy of President Russell M. Nelson and how he can move as fast as he does at the age of 94. He told of trying to keep up with President Nelson as he was bounding down the stairs. He was skipping stairs like a little kid would. That the Lord was truly strengthening him.
What would it be like to have so much enthusiasm for doing the Lord's work to leap and skip to do His will?
Today's Favorite Verse: Song of Solomon 1:4
"Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee."
Talk about a lot of symbolism. I know its not what it appears on the surface, because a romantic love poem wouldn't serve much purpose as scriptures. I had to sit and ponder on each element. I have come to the conclusion that this verse is speaking of ordinances. Both the sacrament and temple ordinances. Out of love of the Savior I will seek out his ordinances and worship him. I think I will leave it at that.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
I pondered on how just these two simple things will bring eternal life. In the scheme of things not much is being asked of me. What it all requires in faith on my end to just do it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:1
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
Another way of looking at this is planting seeds that others in turn harvest. One day I will see the effect my life has had on others. Its pleasing when it happens in this life, but even a greater pleasure in the next.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 10:12
"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself."
What is "swallow up himself"? I think it is for someone to only speak or boast in themselves. So how is the wise man gracious? I pondered on how a wise man is capable of praising someone else solely to encourage and build. They do not tear down another to bring greater praise to themselves.
A few years back I was tired of finding fault in others. I devised a plan to not entertain the thought, but instead find a reason why that person was needed, and God loved them. I looked for their talents and gifts. I also tried really hard to complement others and speak positive encouraging words. It was an interesting experiment I felt a better person for it. It became easier to look for the positive instead of the negative. This is an experiment I think will never end. For there is much to be learned still until my heart it right in the matter.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 9:10
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with they might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
I was just pondering the other day about how much harder it would be to repent, overcome an addiction, or other issues as a spirit. For I pondered on my trials and all that I have learned from them. If in the next life I have no trials how would I be tested and learn from it? Knowledge and wisdom come from the experiences I gain in this life. Unless I am continuing my work to bring others to Christ, then in the next life there is no other labor for me.
"And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given to us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed."
(Alma 34:33)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 8:11
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."
This verse reminded me of the Alma's discourse to his son Corianton. In particular Alma 42 concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner. If a man was punished immediately for his sins there would be no mercy extended and the need for a Savior. Man is given the opportunity to freely repent.
"Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds."
(Alama 42:27)
On the other hand if a man does not take the opportunity to repent and be forgiven his could harden his heart and "fully set" to do evil.
"But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said."
(Exodus 8:15)
The wicked not being punished immediately shows the great mercy in the Father's plan. There is time extended to them to repent. I should hope those that do me evil will seek to repent. For I need a heart just like my Savior, willing to extend mercy.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."
This made me ponder on all that I have learned through sorrow, pain and disappointment. How the loss of loved ones has reminded me of God's eternal plan. If I was to trade all these experiences for a lifetime of feasting and merriment I would not do it. For I have learned lessons that I cherish that would have never come without them. I would not change a thing. Those that only seek feasting and laughter here will sorrow for the eternities to come. I see the wisdom in learning to walk in faith in this life to seek a better life in the world to come.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 6:3
"If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he."
I pondered on what it means to have no burial. The footnote didn't answer it for me. I could think of two things. One, was the burial of baptism by immersion. If one was never baptized you cannot enter into the kingdom of God. The other reason to never be buried would be that I never died, or was immortal. So if I never died and did no good, then it would have been better to never been born for it profited me nothing.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
These verses reminded me of an article I recently read "Enhancing Our Temple Experience" by Elder L. Lionel Kendrick of the Seventy, in the May 2001 Ensign. One of the reasons I like going to temple by myself is I can keep my words few and focus on the things of God.
"Just as we leave our worldly thoughts behind as we enter the temple grounds, we should also leave our worldly discussions behind. It is inappropriate to discuss matters of business, pleasure, or current events in the temple.
It is important not only what we speak in the temple, but also the manner in which we speak. We must always speak in soft and subdued tones in all places in the temple. This should be our temple voice.
There should be silence in the sacred ordinance areas of the temple, except for the necessary communications concerning the performance of the ordinances. These ordinance areas are sacred and should not be used for any worldly conversations.
The Savior has given us loving counsel that will assist us in enhancing our temple experience by leaving the world behind: “And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10).
Perhaps the chastening words of the Savior to David Whitmer may be appropriate for us to remember:
“But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, … and you have not given heed unto my Spirit. …
“Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself” (D&C 30:2–3).
Seek to gain added light and knowledge. Gaining added light and knowledge is not a passive process. It involves focusing on the things of the Spirit and seeking the spiritual lessons to be learned. The Savior counseled: “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things” (D&C 88:67).
The Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the teacher in the temple. He teaches principles of eternal significance. It is during these instructions that we see the relationship between the earthly and the eternal. We must remember that the Spirit teaches only those who are teachable. If we enter the temple seeking added light and knowledge, we can learn and understand something new during the temple experience. The Savior promised: “That which is of God is light; and he that … continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (D&C 50:24)."
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
This made me think of companionships. Those of missionaries, ministering brothers or sisters, and marriages. How needful it is to have a good companion by my side. When I am weak he is strong. When he needs to be strengthened I am there for him. I maybe judged upon my own actions before the Lord, but he never intended for me to do it all alone. For the greatest companionship I have is the Holy Ghost to guide me. Though he's never weak, it is I that is just not listening.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:22
"Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?"
I am thinking work refers to calling or where I am to serve in the Lord's vineyard. I should take joy in it, and not wish for someone else's calling. When my assignment is done I am not to still hold onto it, and judge others that follow. I have experienced seeing all my supposed great efforts go to not after being released. It has taken years to realize there is purpose in all things. The way that calling is assigned is what both the person and the people need at that time. People are not following me, they are to follow the will of the Lord. If someone fails short in their calling then so be it. There is purpose in that experience for all of us. It is for our learning and growth.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:"
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:11
"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, I was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun."
Reminds me of the saying "You can't take it with you." Unless I labor for the Lord I have nothing of worth to bring home with me. My testimony of the gospel and faith in Christ is the only thing I can take with me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:11
"There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after."
What is this talking about? I believe it is the veil that is placed over my eyes and memory when I left my heavenly home to come to earth. Here I am able to freely be tried and tested with such a veil in place. I have come to love the veil. After my near-death experience I understood the importance of having the veil and needing to walk by faith. It took a while to come back and it rightfully needed to. Now the words of the blessing I was given in the hospital are true. "It would seems as if it were all a dream." In ways it is and I am grateful. You cannot walk this earth with a foot still in the other.
I also do not need to see my future. I know I did, but its not meant to remember it. There is beauty in this journey of faith. I have often reflected on Nephi and how much harder that walk back alone to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates from Laban would have been. It was right that he did not have all the details.
"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
(1 Nephi 4:6)
Walking in faith he could do the Father's will when called to slay Laban. There is mercy in the Father's plan of having me walk in faith. I am never alone for the spirit will guide and the Lord will be by my side all the way. Through faith I am made stronger. It is as it should be.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 31:10
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
I read all the characteristics of the virtuous woman and there is much for me to improve on. I have known such woman and deeply admire their quiet strength. With spiritually maturity I hope one day to become such a woman.
I have found Proverbs so moving. There is so much to ponder on in each single verse. The book of Proverbs is made to give pause, reflect and gain wisdom from. Many times as I have read each little nugget of truth I have realized the scriptures really do give instruction for my day to day life. I will turn more often to it when I looking for answers to the problems that I face. Wisdom never turns old, wisdom lasts for the eternities.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 30:5
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."
This made me think about the whole armor of God. It's found in two places.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
(Ephesians 6:11-18)
"Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.
Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked;
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen.
(Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18)
Yes, I am protected with God's armor around me. How grateful I am for the blessings that come through daily prayer and scripture reading. The word of God keeps his armor tight around me. Shielding me from all the fiery darts of the adversary.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 29:25
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe."
I pondered on my life and how powerful the "fear of man", and not wanting to look bad in someone else's eyes has ruled me for so many years. I think one of the snares is you never have peace while trying to do that. There is always that sense of dread. As I have tried to overcome that, by being more concerned over what the Lord would think than someone else, that dread has been replaced with peace. There is peace and comfort, and yes it has brought a feeling of safety to my life. Tasting of the difference makes me try all the harder to look towards Christ and trust in him.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 28:19-20, 22
"He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."
This made me look at one of the warnings in Elder M. Russell Ballard's October 2017 General Conference talk "The Trek Continues!" a little differently.
"Do not listen to those who entice you with get-rich schemes. Our members have lost far too much money, so be careful."
I thought it was warning to save the person from becoming a victim of financial disaster. Actually its a warning against sin. For getting into get-rich schemes shows an "evil eye". They are not the innocent victim they may play to be. What has happened to them? They have lost the spirit and are on the path of ruin and destruction in more ways than one. Truly when I have been in tune with the spirit I have known to walk away from such things. I can see right through the sales pitch and the slippery words. The spirit brings the strength and courage to walk away. It is when the heart turns to riches that the spirit flees and all direction and guidance is gone, and they are left to themselves.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 27:18
"Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured."
This made me think of this.
"Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know the summer is near:
So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors."
(Mark 13:28-29)
As the time of the Lord's second coming nears I will know by watching the fig tree. I realized I not only need to watch it, I need to tend and keep it. It is in the tending and keeping that I understand what I am seeing. Is that not the same as working in his vineyard. Only when I have been considered a faithful servant will I receive my Father's honor.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 26:27
"Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him."
This made me search for other scriptures that refer to digging a pit and falling into it.
"Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession."
(Proverbs 28:10)
"And the great pit, which hath been digged fro them by that great and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell - yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God; not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end."
(1 Nephi 14:3)
"And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perferted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.
(1 Nephi 22:14)
"And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God - he will justify in committing a little sin; year, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
(2 Nephi 28:8)
"That no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself."
(Doctrine and Covenants 109:25)
After going over these verses I thought of how it applies to my day. I see in social media one side attacking the other. Then someone else uses their very words to take them down. I have found these situations rather humorous as I've read them. Wondering how the person was so blind to not see the thing they accused another of applied in someway to them. When you point a finger at someone else there are 3 fingers pointing back at you. This behavior also shows a lack of wisdom, and foolishness, exactly what Solomon was speaking of. This just emphases the importance of living a righteous and good life, where the spirit can keep me from such things.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 25:14
"Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain."
So many of these verses had imagery I could just picture what it was saying. How many storms have I seen where its dark and windy and for sure I think a huge storm is coming. Then nothing, no rain at all. It just blows past. I could just picture a boastful man doing the same thing. I think what its telling me is that everyone else can see it too. Your not fooling anyone when you claim to a gift or ability and are unable to produce.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 24:10
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small."
When I read this my mind substituted the word strength for faith. To me that fits. It is through faith that I am made strong. It is only then that I can endure all things and faint not.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 23:12, 23
"Apply thine heart unto instructions, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding."
What does it mean to "buy the truth, and sell it not?" First I pondered on buying the truth. I believe it means I valued it and worked to earn it. I see how applying my heart to truth, wisdom and instruction means this is what I am seeking.
So what does it mean to sell it? I thought about how when I sell something I no longer own it. It is gone from my possessions. I may have money for it, but its of no value in the eyes of the Lord. I can sell truth, by casting it aside and no longer prizing it. Same with wisdom and any instruction I have been given. I loose understanding of spiritual things when my heart is no longer valuing it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 22:28
"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."
Wow, this really jumped out at me. If it wasn't for what is happening to historic landmarks right now this verse would have seemed insignificant. I searched to see if there were any more verses mentioning removing landmarks.
"Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the Lord thy God giveth thee to possess it."
(Deuteronomy 19:14)
"Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof."
(Job 24:2)
"Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:"
(Proverbs 23:10)
"The princes of Judah were like them that remove the bound: Therefore I will pout out my wrath upon them like water."
(Hosea 5:10)
The bound in this verse means HEB boundary marker.
BD Nebuchadnezzar, NebuchadrezzarOr Nabu-kudur-usur. Nebo, protect the crown! (or, thelandmark). The great king of Babylon (604–561 B.C.), son of Nabopolassar, the founder of the empire (see Assyria and Babylonia); defeats Necho, king of Egypt, at Carchemish and drives the Egyptians from Syria (Jer. 46:2–12); subdues Judah (2 Kgs. 24:1); besieges Jerusalem (24:10–11) and takes it, carrying away the king and people (25:1, 8, 22; 1 Chr. 6:15; 2 Chr. 36; Ezra 1:7; 2:1; 5:12, 14; 6:5; Neh. 7:6; Esth. 2:6; Jer. 27:6, 8, 20; 28:3, 11, 14; 29:1, 3; 34:1; 39:5). For his relations with Daniel, by whom his dreams were interpreted, see Dan. 1–5. He was for a time smitten with madness and on his recovery acknowledged God’s power and goodness.
As I pondered on this I realized that a nation that is overtaken has things carried away. It would seem we are in the middle of being taken over. By whom and what exactly I don't know. But, the loss of landmarks is not a good thing. So much so, the Lord has warned against doing so.
I always loved this Civil War monument in the center of downtown Glens Falls, NY. I had to look up at it every time we drove passed. I wanted to know who's names were on it. Were any of them related to me? It fanned the flames of a genealogist inside of me. I don't think its in danger of coming down, since we were on the right side of the war, but who knows? People seem to want to remove anything to erase the past, instead of learning from it. Maybe that's why the Lord said not to remove them.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 21:23
"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."
This has been one of the greatest things I have been trying to learn. First learning to be quiet, then comes learning to have peace while being quiet. What a challenge, but what amazing rewards come from learning to do this. It is worth every effort to master this.
I have been pondering of late one part of my patriarchal blessing which says, "Through you, peace, love and harmony will abide in your home." I realize after all these years, that it hasn't really been that because I could not hold my tongue. As I have come to understand that this is my sacred role in my home, I am striving to do better. I can see the fruits of my efforts. It's pretty humbling to know what power you hold, for things to go one way or another. Once coming to realizing this, I have felt a special strength to become a peacemaker. There is a closeness to the Lord that comes with this. His spirit is right by my side encouraging and guiding me along the way. I am so grateful for second chances.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 20:9
"Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?"
Not me. I wish but I am so hopelessly flawed, I know there is much to work on. Then as I was pondering on this I saw it another way. I can never make myself clean and pure from sin. To say I could would mean I did not need my Savior. For it only through him that I can be made clean again. The atonement of Jesus Christ makes the difference.
Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 19:8
"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good."
This made me reflect on someone that sees the negative in every situation. That would show a troubled soul. The ability to find good in whatever I pass through, is part of understanding the ways of the Lord. He is giving me every opportunity to turn to Him, so he can carry my burdens and make them light. This is how I come to really know my Savior. That He will never leave me alone. Finding good in the situation is showing faith in the Lord's promises.
"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb;
And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."
(Doctrine and Covenants 122:5-7)
