Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Lord did answer the prayers of the people and told them to be comforted because He would deliver them out of bondage. And in the meantime, he would be with them in their afflictions and ease their burdens upon their backs, they they would not be able to feel them. This is the way the Lord sometimes answers our prayers.  He doesn't necessarily take away our burdens right away, but he strengthens us so we can bear them and eases them so we cannot feel them. Like the people of Alma, we need to submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.  Mosiah 24:13-15 "And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.  And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.  And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

In the Old Testament we read that when we have righteous rulers, the people rejoice.  But when we're governed by someone wicked, the people mourn.  It's very important that we carefully choose who we vote for.  Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

Some scriptures with a thought booklet tell the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet.  Normally this was a job for a servant, but Jesus lovingly wanted to do this service.  At first Peter adamantly refused to have Jesus wash his feet.  But then Jesus told him that unless he was willing to allow this, he would have no part in Him. There are a couple of things we can learn from this.  First, sometimes it's difficult to allow others to serve us.  But it's important that we humble ourselves enough to be served, when necessary.  Secondly, we need to learn, from Jesus' example, that giving acts of service is not "beneath" anyone.  John 13:4-8 "He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me."