“These are trying times”
Probably everyone at some point in time
Even if the “times” you live in are prosperous and joyful, you personally could be going through your own trying times independent of anyone else.
For me, I remember a couple of things. First, I accept the fact that this is a fallen world and that we are here to experience the good and the bad, and that any bad is simply temporary in nature.
Second, I consider the vast universe, the innumerable galaxies and suns with planets revolving around them, and the intricate lives and existences of an insane number of beings.
the whole visible creation, as it now exists, is the effect of faith…
LoF 7:5
The vastness of creation that we see is all the effect of Father in Heaven’s faith. We too are a product of that faith, we exist and are here because he has faith in us. He has hope in us and for a being that is as wise, omniscient, and powerful as he is, should that not give us hope as well?
So amid all of this, what are really the problems of our times other than insignificant ripples in a vast ocean; here one second and gone the next.
This is the truth, so what lie is it that we are believing that brings us down?
Is the situation the problem or is it the perspective at which we are viewing our situation?
As beings that feel pain and sorrow, this doesn’t mean that we dismiss the suffering of others, on the contrary, we should “mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” (Mosiah 18:9)
But within ourselves, we can stand calmly in the midst of the storm knowing and accepting the truth.
Hope is a powerful thing, it gives reason to faith. Hope consists of everything that you actually believe is possible; even if it feels far from your grasp, you feel like somehow, someway, it could happen. When that no longer becomes your view, hope vanishes, and faith has no destination to pursue.
We can find hope again.
We can choose to believe in God, his plan, and a purpose for our lives. We can start there, and then gain an “actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God” (Lof 6:4)
It does not matter what the rest of the world is doing, just what we do. No matter our situation, we can refine effectual faith and shine like a light in the darkness as many have done before and whose stories are found throughout the scriptures.
We can live a life worth being retold by future generations or in the eternities, especially in the midst of trying times.
