The Ups and Downs of Life

As you read the quotation of Nephi’s experience in his own words, keep an eye out for the dramatic change of emotions Nephi might have been feeling.

“And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried away in the Spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the tent of my father.

“And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. 

“For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. 

“And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the children of men. 

“And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall."

- 1 Nephi 15:1-4.

I have had days when, after I finish a temple session, I enter back into the world, and face my struggles and trials that I left behind when I entered the temple that day.

I learned quickly that the temple doesn’t always remove trials. I think the temple strengthens my ability to face my trials in this way: I receive an eternal perspective in the temple. I feel the love of God to know that He is there, He loves me, and is watching over me as I face those trials. I receive reminders of what type of man I am to be. I see what role His covenants with me play as I sail through life.

Nephi had just come from a major spiritual experience and vision! Immediately afterwards (according to his record), his encounter with family struggles brought him low.

Yet, I perceive that Nephi had learned through practice throughout his life, how to use the Atonement to receive strength.

I take that observation from the verse after my quotation above:

“And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations.”
- 1 Nephi 15:6

Not only had he overcome his depressed moment, but he exercised his initiative to serve.

I think that the motivation to serve was part of the strengthening power of the Atonement.

I think that silences from God, or continuous and lengthy trials, should not deter us from our commitment to the gospel.

“An unusual thing happened after that great first vision. The Prophet Joseph received no additional communication for three years. However, he did not wonder, he did not question, he did not doubt the Lord. The Prophet Joseph patiently waited. The Prophet Joseph taught us the principle of patience – by example.”
- Boyd K Packer, General Conference.

“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.”
- President Thomas S Monson, General Conference.

“Life’s journey is challenging. It’s easy to be distracted, wander off the path, and get lost. Tribulation is an inevitable and indispensable part of our eternal progression. When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts. Unless we are “continually holding fast” to the word of God and living it, we will become spiritually blinded rather than spiritual minded. Search the Book of Mormon and the words of the living prophets every day, every day, every day! It’s the key to spiritual survival and avoiding deception. Without it, we are spiritually lost.”
- President Kevin W Pearson, General Conference.

I love my trials!