Sabbath Devotional :: Carry On

I took this picture of the view from just outside the library in my hometown.

My daily scripture study, as simple as it is, has been a source of peace and motivation for me. In the last few weeks, two experiences stand out. One day, the news left me feeling overwhelmed and gloomy. I woke up the next day feeling exhausted and unmotivated. As I was praying, I told Heavenly Father that I wasn’t sure that my work in MWEG could make any difference. I felt a small inspiration to pray that the Lord would magnify my efforts. I was reminded that I can’t make a difference alone, but the Lord can.

I have since shifted my perspective and changed my prayers. I am willing to do my small part, and I pray that the Lord will magnify that effort according to His will and by His power.

As I read my scriptures that day, this verse stood out to me as being significant:

“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.” (1 Nephi 13:37)

I felt like that described MWEG’s work, at least the way I look at it. I believe that we are seeking to create the Beloved Community as a steppingstone to Zion. We have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. We do need to endure as we publish peace.

All of this was reassuring and empowering when I was having an off day. Seemingly randomly, this hymn popped in my head while I was getting ready:

Firm as the mountains around us/ Stalwart and brave we stand
On the rock our fathers planted/ For us in this goodly land —
The rock of honor and virtue/ Of faith in the living God.
They raised his banner triumphant/ Over the desert sod.

And we hear the desert singing: Carry on, carry on, carry on!
Hills and vales and mountains ringing: Carry on, carry on, carry on!
Holding aloft our colors/ We march in the glorious dawn.
O youth of the noble birthright/ Carry on, carry on, carry on!

I’d like to report that I’ve carried on, consistently energized and always feeling hope for the future. But that has not been the case. Just a few days ago, once again, the news was overwhelming. So much is out of my control and beyond the reach of anything I am a part of. It seems like there is nothing I can do. I have trusted that MWEG’s approach of peace and principles, civility and community would make a difference. But it all seemed so simplistic and even childish in a time such as this.

As I was immersed in these discouraging thoughts, I prayed and then read the Come Follow Me section for the week. I distinctly knew through the Holy Ghost that these words were meant for me:

“Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. . . . Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. . . . Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee; . . . And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good — yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.” (D&C 11:6, 8, 10, 12)

The gentle reminder to “keep my commandments” helps me remember that through small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. Once again, the scriptures tell me to focus on building Zion. I found strength in the promise “you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.” That’s what I want. I think we all do. We want to make a difference in this world.

Even though this revelation was given to Hyrum Smith, I know that I also have a gift. Since I was a young child, I could understand different points of view and value people regardless of disagreements. I remember trying to solve arguments between my siblings by trying to help them understand each other. (This didn’t go over well.) Long before MWEG was created, I deliberately tried to find value in different political viewpoints and tried to defend the integrity of those with whom I disagree. While I put effort into this (and I know I don’t do it well all the time), it is truly a gift from God, and I recognize his power in it.

Finally, that admonition to put my “trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.” The Spirit of Christ is found in peace, joy, and hope. It is manifest in love, goodness, and compassion. These are not weak things. They may appear small and simple, but they are powerful and awesome.

My friends, I hope you will take care of your spiritual selves by setting aside time for prayer and scripture study. We need the light and peace of Christ. We need the power of the Holy Ghost. I know I do.

One of my favorite verses says “that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) We need that comfort and hope.