Daily Thoughts

In the D&C we read that it is after much tribulation that we'll receive the blessings.  But if we keep the commandments and are faithful, we'll receive a great reward in heaven and crowned with much glory.  D&C 58:2-4 "For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."

In the Old Testament we read that the Lord's hand isn't shortened so it's unable to save us, and His ears are heavy so He's prevented from hearing us.  But it is our own iniquities that have separated us from God, and it's our own sins that have hidden His face from us and prevents Him from hearing us.  If we're feeling distant from God, He's not the problem, we are.  And we need to repent and start keeping the commandments if we want to feel close to Him once again.  Isaiah 59:1-2 "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

A verse with a thought booklet tells us to rejoice in hope and be patient in tribulation, continuing in prayer. I think prayer is a very necessary ingredient in being able to be patient in our tribulations and being able to have hope, which causes us to rejoice.  It's hard to get through difficult times and to maintain hope in times of trouble, but the Lord will help us if we'll ask.  Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"