Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament we're told that God can be our refuge and strength, even in times of great trouble. We have no reason to fear, even if the earth is removed and mountains are carried into the sea, and waters roar and the mountain shake. No matter what happens around us, we can trust in the Lord and don't need to fear. What a great comfort this is. Ps. 46: 1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."


In the Book of Mormon I read about how Lehi, Laman and Leumuel murmured and complained against the Lord because of their difficulties. But Nephi exhorted them to humble themselves and turn to the Lord. After Lehi did so, and was truly chastened because of his murmuring, the voice of the Lord did come to him, and spoke to him by way of the Liahona. 1 Ne. 16: 20, 22, 24-26 "And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God. And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written."

A verse with a thought booklet says that we need to exhort each other daily, encouraging each other to avoid becoming hardened or being deceived by sin. What can we do each day to strenghten one another, build up others in faith, and encourage each other? Heb. 3: 13 "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."