Here are some statements by prophets and some questions to ask ourselves. It’s fun and insightful to ponder questions and write the answers in a journal.
— -Moses: “When thou art in tribulation…even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice, He will not forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 4:30)
Question: When we feel forsaken what else might be going on for us? Could we possibly be having thoughts which cause us to feel forsaken? What would He say if we sincerely ask Him how he feels about us?
— -Paul: “Tribulation worketh patience.” (Romans 5:3)
Question: Can you think of any examples of this in your life? What thoughts and actions were you having? I’m trying to be more patient. I’m practicing saying to myself, “This is not a problem. It will all work out. There’s time.”
— -Isaiah: “He shall feed His flock…and gently lead those that are with young…they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40)
Question: How does the Lord feed you and gently lead you? What does waiting upon the Lord look like in your life? Why is waiting sometimes so difficult? What would make waiting easier? Mr. Rogers said “Think of something to do while you’re waiting.”
— -Peter: “The trial of your faith (is) much more precious than gold.” (1 Peter 1:17)
Question: How can trials be more precious than gold? Wouldn’t it be interesting to test it out on a trial, large or small, that you are having right now? How can we turn trials to gold?
— -Jesus, our Lord and Savior: “…in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Question: Which is more lasting — tribulation or peace? How can we have at least moments of good cheer during tribulation, in consideration of Jesus’ having overcome? I wonder why I try to overcome everything that He has already overcome?
— -President Russell M. Nelson (April 2020):
— One: “The increasing darkness that accompanies tribulation makes the light of Jesus Christ shine even brighter.” Do we tend to focus on the dark or the light? I’m trying to focus more on the light and less on what bad things might be coming. The media makes things like conspiracies so intriguing to me. I’m working on that.
— Two: “(Be) armed with righteousness.” How do you personally arm yourself with righteousness?
— Three: “(Satan’s) messages tend to be loud, bold, and boastful. However, messages from our Heavenly Father are strikingly different. He communicates simply, quietly, and with such stunning plainness that we cannot misunderstand Him.” How many of us multitask, get distracted and allow our focus to dart around? This month I am striving to concentrate on one thing at a time. (Brain expert Jim Kwik emphasizes the value of this practice. An article coming on this soon! Watch for it!)
— Four: “Hear Him.” If someone asked us, could we verbalize the last three things we heard from Him?
— Five: “Daily immersion in the word of God is crucial for spiritual survival…As we feast on the words of Christ daily, the words of Christ will tell us how to respond to difficulties we never thought we would face.” What does “immersion” mean? What difficulties are you surprisingly facing right now?
— Six: “…refine your ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now.” How does the Spirit speak to you? For me, it’s usually very quiet, so I miss it when I allow my brain and my body to dart around.
— Seven: “I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation…And I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life.”
Are we willing and ready to do whatever it takes to hear the personal counsel and comfort the Lord is sending our way? What does that look like for you, on a daily basis? For me, it looks like having an awesome morning routine of prayer, scripture study, journaling, exercise and nutrition; and, practicing mindfulness/awareness/gratitude; and, asking questions/listening for the answers.
That is how I want to respond to troubles and uncertain times, adding a heavy dose of trust and joy in my Heavenly Father and even in myself.
(If you are curious about what a modern day prophet has to say this year, tune into churchofjesuschrist.org or BYUTV April 3rd and 4th. I promise you can hear something special meant just for you, to brighten your year!)