"Over the years, I have had the sacred opportunity to meet with many people whose sorrows seem to reach the very depths of their soul. In these moments, I have listened to my beloved brothers and sisters and grieved with them over their burdens. I have pondered what to say to them, and I have struggled to know how to comfort and support them in their trials.
"Often their grief is caused by what seems to them as an ending. Some are facing the end of a cherished relationship, such as the death of a loved one or estrangement from a family member. Others feel they are facing the end of hope--the hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness. Others may be facing the end of their faith, as confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempt them to question, even abandon, what they once knew to be true.
"Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experiences times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift.
"It can happen to anyone. No one is immune."
-Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances"
Recently I was discussing with a close friend how to handle difficult times that come our way. During our conversation, he brought up this talk in particular and read this opening section. I cannot even describe the impact of those words in that moment. I could relate so much to this; we all can relate to this at some point in life.
Later, Uchtdorf said, "It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."
A perfect example of this above statement is the story behind the hymn of "It Is Well with My Soul," which I wrote about in a blog post earlier this year (click here to read it).
Another great example is the story of Job in the Old Testament. Job was a wealthy man in his day and was faithful to the Lord. Satan decided he wanted to see if Job would turn his back on the Lord if he was given trials, so he received permission from the Lord to bring afflictions upon Job. Job lost his servants, his animals, his children, his home... "Then Job arose, ...and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:20-21).
The Bible is filled with verses and passages about gratefulness, thankfulness, being content in circumstances, etc. Here are a few that particularly stand out to me:
-"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15).
-"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, wherewith to be content" (Philippains 4:11).
-"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name" (Psalm 100:4).
-"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 118:1).
-"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Earlier I mentioned discussing this subject with a friend. That friend gave me a challenge, and now I challenge you to do the same: offer up a prayer in which you don't pray for any blessings or make any requests; let it solely be a prayer of gratitude. I've done this myself, and it made me feel so much better. I know that if you do this with sincerity, you will have increased joy and peace.
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