Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read how what Jahaziel had told the people came to pass. Their attackers war among themselves and destroy each other, and much spoil is left for them to gather. 2 Chr. 20: 22-25 "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy aanother.And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much."

In the D&C we're told to give thanks in all things and to rejoice. I think if we truly do give thanks in all things, it will give us joy because we're be appreciative for all we have. We're also told to wait patientlly upon the Lord and to know that all our afflictions shall work together for our good. Sometimes when we're going through trying times it's hard to imagine how it could be for our good, but if we trust in the Lord to know what's best for us and be patient, we can know that the experiences we're going through will strengthen us and prepare us to become the person we're meant to be. D&C 98: 1-3 "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to be swift to hear and slow to speak. And also slow to wrath. How many arguments could be avoided if we spent more time listening and less time talking? If we'd truly listen with understanding instead of trying to get our own points across, our relationships would become closer. Too many people are quick to speak and slow to hear. Let's make sure that isn't the case with us. James 1: 19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

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