Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read about how the wicked would be punished for their sins, but the servants of the Lord would be rewarded and sing for joy of heart. Isa. 65: 11-14 "But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Therefore thus saith the Lord God , Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit."

In the Book of Mormon I read that in spite of preaching and prophesying which was done among them, they remained in their wickedness just a few years after the sign of Christ's birth was given. It certainly doesn't take them long to go back to their evil ways! Much destruction and affliction hung over their heads because of their wickedness. 3 Ne. 2: 10, 19 "And it came to pass that the people did still remain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity. And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity."

A verse from a thought booklet gives us wonderful advice that will bring joy to our lives if we live it, but it is not an easy thing to do--love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I think this is something that would be difficult, if not impossible, to do on our own. But as we turn to the Lord for help, He can change our hearts. Peace can replace hurt feelings and frustrations. Joy can replace anger and resentment. It's really for our own benefit, more than for the person who hurt us, that we allow forgiveness to warm our hearts and bring us peace. Matt. 5: 44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"