Daily Thoughts

In the Old Testament I read that the Lord would be in the midst of the righteous and there would be joy and singing. He will gather those who are sorrowful and undo all that afflicted them. What a blessed and wonderful day this will be! We can know that all our sorrows and afflictions will someday be turned into joy and singing if we endure to the end and do what is right. Zeph. 3: 17-20 "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord."

In the D&C we're told that if we do what the Lord counsels us to do, we don't need to fear what our enemies will do--they will be powerless to stop the Lord's work from progressing. But any man who does not seek the Lord's counsel but instead wants to build himself up, will have no power. There is power in keeping the Lord's commandments and doing His will. D&C 136: 17-19 "Go thy way and do as I have told you, and fear not thine enemies; for they shall not have power to stop my work. Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time. And if any man shall seek to build up himself, and seeketh not my counsel, he shall have no power, and his folly shall be made manifest."

A verse with a thought booklet announces peace and good will toward men at the birth of Christ. But all you have to do is watch the nightly news to wonder where the peace is. How do we find peace in this world of turmoil? It's still found the same place it was found 2,000 years ago when this scripture was written--in Jesus Christ. Luke 2: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
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