COMFORT

We all have times of need of comfort. We are here on earth, having a 'mortal' experience and part of that is trials and some troubles and tribulations.  All these things 'worketh patience' and help us become purified and refined, fit to be numbered amongst His followers.

"At times, when we need that comfort, we can find solace in these truths: “Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.” —Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor”   and......  “

"There is terrible suffering in our world today. Tragic things happen to good people. God does not cause them, nor does He always prevent them. He does, however, strengthen us and bless us with His peace, through earnest prayer.”  —Rex D. Pinegar, "Peace through Prayer"

One of the greatest blessings we have is the ability to communicate with God, our Heavenly Father, in sincere and humble prayer. He hears and answers us when we are contrite and seek him with real intent.  (In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. - Apostasy and Restoration) 

I know this to be true as I have sought Him diligently on many occasions and He has heard and answered me. This is the greatest blessing I have ever had in life; to truly receive answers to my humble pleadings from and all-wise and all-knowing God. For, I KNOW, that He desires to help us!

PEACE

In a troubled world, how do we find Peace?  What (Whom) is the Source of that peace and how do we keep it with us?

Christmas Lights on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

This past Christmas, President Henry B. Eyring shared the following:

"I am grateful to share this celebration of Christmas with you. Our purpose is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Our hope is to capture the true spirit of Christmas for ourselves and for those we love. That spirit is characterized by peace--not political peace, for the Savior was born at a time of fear and unrest so great that His family had to flee as refugees into Egypt; not economic peace, for He was born in a stable and laid in a humble manger; and not even the peace that comes when all the packages are wrapped, the trees decorated, and the table set, because that peace is only momentary. The peace of Christmas is "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." It is the peace that the Apostle Paul promised would "keep [our] hearts and minds through [Jesus Christ]." And Paul was right. That peace we seek is only through and because of Jesus Christ.

 

"Some of us live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, yet we are experiencing inner turmoil. Others feel peace and perfect serenity in the midst of great personal loss, tragedy, and continuing trials.

 

"To all who have come into mortality, the Savior said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." Yet He gave this wonderful promise to His disciples during His mortal ministry: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." It is a comfort to know that this promise of personal peace continues for all of His covenant disciples today. It is a promise given even on the very night of His birth. When heavenly messengers heralded the birth of the Savior, they declared, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace."

 

"At this blessed season of the year, we--more than ever--seek peace through the Giver of all gifts. I desire tonight to share just a few of the many ways we can increase the peace we experience this season and throughout the year to come and throughout our lives."  -Devotional - Video



In my own life I have found that sincere daily prayer, scripture study and pondering (which I have come to love more than almost anything else in the world), striving to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and keeping all of the commandments He has given to me, has brought me that desired peace.

I believe it is a gift almost beyond compare for whom of us doesn't want it?

By truly seeking to find and keep this peace, we are blessed, comforted, and lead down a wonderful path.  I pray we may all continue to strive to do so.