Mosiah 23

It’s comforting to me that if things get to dangerous for the people of the Lord, he warns them and sends them away. He didn’t tell Alma and his people to stay “in the world” in this case, but to flee. It helps me to keep moving forward with faith and trust that He will keep us from harm. But it also makes me realize I need to be more diligent in doing those things that keep me close to the Spirit and able to feel and hear those warnings. Especially in times of turmoil, like right now as we are trying to figure out how to change our life. In order to go where He wants us to go, we have to be able to hear Him to know what that means.

When they fled, the Lord strengthened them to be able to flee and stay ahead of King Noah. Do we need to pray for strength instead of change?

I’m reading a biography about Thomas Jefferson right now. He talks a lot about hard work, and he was a hard worker. It’s been on my mind a lot lately as I read. When Alma and his people got to the beautiful land, they were industrious and did labor exceedingly.  I feel like this is a challenge for me sometimes, to value working. But I know that for me, I am happiest when I am not idle. And this scripture reminds me that work is also valued by the Lord. It is what he wants for us.

I love how Alma talks about the importance of a government of freedom here. 

These next two verses are something I really need to ponder. It is sometimes the Lord who sends trials to test our patience and faith. Our life has felt like that a lot this past year and a half. It’s been very difficult, especially for Omar. These verses describe what it has felt like for me, and what I believe about it. That we can do hard things, and in the end, all will be well. But some things definitely are very hard. I think, for me, the harder it is to hold on, the tighter I hold and keep enduring, the stronger my faith becomes. But I can see how if you aren’t strong enough to hold as tight as the winds are blowing, it makes you feel buffeted and weak. My prayer is to help those who are losing their grip and lend them strength and support so they don’t lose their way. I know that I’ve had that help when I’m about to lose it.

21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. 

22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.