I just finished studying the talk, “Joy and Spiritual Survival” by Russel M. Nelson from last year’s General Conference, and I loved it so much. The other day I thought of the scripture in Ether (12:27) about how through the Grace of our Savior–a real power to do what we can’t do on our own–we can overcome our weaknesses. –Because “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phillipians 4:13)
Right now I feel like my weakness is succumbing to the difficulty of my circumstances and often times focusing on the negative–or at least not resisting the temptation to. I miss feeling joy more consistently. Some of it is due to my crazy pregnant hormones, but there is definitely room for improvement–more gratitude, more focus on the good, better use of my time, and more trust in the Lord.
SO, my recent focus/goal/effort is to look to Him to overcome–to learn how to have joy in the midst of trial. I brainstormed some steps I think I need to take to have this fulness of joy…
1. Focus on the Savior. Think of Him, lean on Him, turn to Him often.
-Make my prayers more sincere, take more time to pray and ponder
2. Limit the influence of the world.
-Guard my time and exposure to worldly things.
-Social media once a day–not an excuse for boredom. There are such better things I can do!
3. Free time (on bedrest)
–family history, gospel study, cards/calls to others, embrace my kids!
Ether 12:27 “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
(Isn’t that scripture just so comforting?)