Lighten our loads..

The Lord can lighten our loads; this isn't always by relieving the weight or pain associated with them, but is because we are made stronger. This happened to Alma and his people as they were in bondage to the Lamanites; "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up the burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Mos. 24:15) They were still under the same burdens, but as they became stronger it became easier. I like the fact that they even submitted cheerfully to their challenges. Our burdens are intended to help us grow, but I don't know if I have ever cheerfully accepted such challenges. I have been able to patiently endure them as I search for the Lords will in my life.

To cheerfully endure our burdens was the counsel the Lord gave to the prophet Joseph Smith during one the most difficult times of his life. In the liberty jail the prophet felt so alone and discouraged that he began his prayer – “Oh God, where art thou?” (D&C 121: 1) This was a man that in the process of the restoration saw and talked with one of the greatest groups of heavenly messengers ever assembled, including God the Father himself and His son the Savior Jesus Christ. He felt alone, discouraged and wanted to know where God was in his life. In answer to this humble pray, in my opinion is one of the greatest revelations ever give, which comprise sections 121 – 123 of the Doctrine in Covenants. The last verse of this revelation reads: “Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” (D&C 123: 17)

This is a great lesson, that first we need to do all in our power, then we need to stand still and trust that the lord will make up the difference. If we are doing what is right and if it is in accordance with the will of the Lord, we can be assured that what needs to be done will be accomplished.