Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we read that Hannah was childless and was so grieved over this fact that she wept and would not eat. She took her tribulations to the Lord, praying to Him in the bitterness of her soul, as she wept sore. When we have problems that are distressing us and tearing at our hearts, do we likewise turn to the Lord? 1 Sam. 1: 8-10 "Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore."

In the Book of Mormon we're told that it is the plan of redemption that if we'll repent of our sins and not harden our hearts, the Lord will have mercy on us and we'll receive a remission of our sins through the atonement of the Only Begotten, and we'll be able to enter into our rest. However, this will not be possible if we harden our hearts and persist in doiing iniquity. Alma 12: 33-35 "But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son; Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest. And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest."

Some verses with a thought booklet demonstrate how we can turn to the Lord in times of trouble and distress. He will have mercy upon us to forgive us for our sins and comfort us when we're suffering pain and afflictions. Ps. 25: 16-18 "Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins."