Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how Mormon lead the people into battle, but when they prevailed against their enemies, they boasted of their own strength and swore vengeance against their enemies. At this point Mormon refused to lead them anymore, due to their great wickedness.  Mormon 3: 8-15 "And in the three hundred and sixty and second year they did come down again to battle. And we did beat them again, and did slay a great number of them, and their dead were cast into the sea. And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who had been slain by their enemies. And they did swear by the heavens, and also by the throne of God, that they would go up to battle against their enemies, and would cut them off from the face of the land. And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of their wickedness and abomination. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and they have repented not of their sins. And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the Lord came unto me, saying: Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off from the face of the earth."

In the Old Testament we read that the people offering willingly to the Lord and they rejoiced with great joy.  I think there is a connection here.  When we willingly sacrifice for the Lord, it does bring us joy.  1 Chronicles 29:9 "Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy."

A verse with a thought booklet tells Job to stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.  Job suffered more than any of us probably ever will, in yet he was told to stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.  When we're going through trials and tribulations, this might be something we should try doing.  Stop.  Take a deep breath.  And think about all the wonderful things the Lord has done. Sit outside and watch the clouds float by or the birds in the trees. Enjoy the beauties of nature that the Lord has created.  If we start feeling gratitude and awe for the Lord, it will help put things into prospective for us and help us appreciate all the blessings we truly have.  Job 37:14 "Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God."