Joy During Trials

1 Nephi 8:7-12

In facing hardships, we can sometimes become bitter, hardened, exhausted. This is why it is crucial to rely on the love of God and the Atonement of His Son to remain whole.
Soon after leaving Jerusalem, Lehi had a dream where he was in a “dark and dreary waste” (1 Ne 8:7). He traveled in the darkness for many hours before he found a solution: he began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on him, “according to the multitude of his tender mercies.” After praying, he emerged from the darkness and saw a tree with fruit designed to make one happy. The tree represents Jesus Christ and the love of God in providing a way for eternal life to His children. The fruit is the saving principles of the gospel and is truly the way we can find peace and happiness, even during the worst of times.
When I am feeling dreary, I must remember to pray for mercy and God will show me my blessings and help me find that which will make me happy. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just for the aftermath, the cleanup, the repair of damaged souls. It is also for the here and now – for the constant support and lasting endurance of God’s children through our daily trials.

Later in the first book of Nephi (20:21) he quoted Isaiah 48:21, reminding us that God led the children of Israel through the deserts and provided water for them. God will lead me through the deserts of my life also. That is what the gospel is about – the here and now! So often I look forward to the “day of gladness when Jesus will come again” but His love is available to me NOW. He will carry me through the rottenest of days.

Truly, through Jesus we can have peace and joy – even during trials.