Yesterday I taught a lesson in Relief Society that
is still lingering inside my heart. I suppose it is in part because of the
turmoil that exists in today’s world. It seems like every time we turn on the news,
there are more catastrophes to worry over: earthquakes, tornadoes, huge fires,
and hurricanes— or acts of violence and greed. The current political battle
hangs over our heads like a looming storm cloud.
All around us locally there are several challenging
trials taking place—health concerns, heart-breaking tragedies, and financial
disasters. The weather has not been helpful to farmers in the area, nor with
this year’s attempt at raising a garden. So far we’ve faced three bizarre
frosts that have effectively eliminated tomatoes, peppers, squash etc. True,
growing a garden in Bear Lake is like trying to drink out of a fire hose—we often
get blasted in the process. ;) Still, we have to try.
It also seems like lately we’re surrounded by
critics who pass judgment over everything. We try to reason through the
emotional barrage, saying things like, “Oh, well, they don’t really understand
the situation.” It still makes us feel
poorly about ourselves. In short, the adversary is having a heyday filling our
hearts with fear, doubt, and negativity.
It is time to rise above all of that and to remember
who we truly are. We are sons and daughters of a loving Father in heaven who
sent us down here to learn, grow, and achieve. He knew it would be a difficult
journey—and He has provided tools to help us along the way. One of those tools
is faith.
Faith is a key to having hope. And when we have
hope, we are more charitable toward others, breaking the current trend.
According to the scriptures, faith is not having certain knowledge of things
(see Alma 32:21-22). It is a belief in what is good and true. It starts out as
a small seed (see Matthew 17:20-21) and can grow into a large tree, if we will
spend the time needed to nourish it.
There are many ways we can develop faith, and it is
often the small and simple things in life that bring us peace. For instance,
turning off the media for a while and taking a walk—appreciating the beauty
that surrounds us. Realizing there is still a lot of good in this world. News
shows rarely show the positive things that are taking place. Sometimes we have
to ignore the darkness and seek out the light.
Serving others has always filled my heart with quiet
comfort, especially when I’m struggling. Forgetting my pain as I reach out to
others is a great way to nourish my tiny seed of faith.
Hearing faith-promoting experiences from others also
strengthens my own belief. I’m sure we’ve all been inspired by the good-hearted
example of those who refuse to give up. To quote the Bible dictionary
definition of “faith” where there is . . . “true faith there are miracles,
visions, dreams, healings, and all the gifts of God that He gives to His
Saints.”
Prayer, scripture study, and going to church help
fill our spiritual bucket—truly a needful thing in today’s crazy world.
Being thankful is another way to nourish our faith.
I try each night to list the things I’m grateful for. It’s a great reminder
that despite the difficulties, there are great blessings, too.
Surrounding ourselves with uplifting music, art, and
books is also helpful in developing faith and a positive attitude.
I come from a
musical family. We performed a lot when I was growing up. This past week the
lyrics from one of the songs sprang to mind as I prepared a lesson on faith.
Maybe some of you will recognize these inspiring words:
“Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the
door,
Words are so easily spoken—a prayer without faith is
like a boat without an oar.
Have faith when you speak to the Master, that’s all
He asks you for,
Yes, prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks
the door.”
(Written by: Samuel Scott & Robert Sande)
So in this current time of nonstop challenges and
negativity, take the time to nourish the seed of faith. It will in turn, help
us find hope when all seems lost.
