Hello again, friends. Thank you for stopping by today! This is going to be a long post, but I do hope you will read it all. It has been an interesting few weeks and few days as I've watched the world respond to an illness that we are unfamiliar with. So many people are panicking. So may are unsure of what will happen. So many people are seeking peace.
As I read the email that told me that I would be unable to attend church with those I usually unite with weekly, I was a bit disheartened. But then I realized that this is a beautiful opportunity to show how I will keep my covenants and serve and minister to others. I have been guided by Heavenly Father and the Spirit to know who to reach out to, and it has been an amazing blessing in my life this week. I hope to post more about this later on.
Today I want to share a small portion of my Sabbath worship with you. I want to share thoughts I had while singing hymns with loved ones during smaller sacrament meetings, and what I learned from two of these hymns. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I do not know a single person who is not affected by music in some way. I love this quote from Martin Luther:
The first hymn that very much spoke to my soul today is called "In Humility, Our Savior". It's text was written by Mabel Jones Gabbott and put to music written by Rowland H. Pritchard. The music itself is gorgeous. Getting to sing this four-part hymn was honestly a musical treat. But the words were able to sink deep into my heart when we sang the second verse:
"Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving;
Teach us tolerance and love.
Let our prayers find access to Thee
In Thy holy courts above.
Then, when we have proven worthy
Of Thy sacrifice divine,
Lord, let us regain Thy presence;
Let thy glory round us shine."
I have always had a firm belief and personal testimony that God hears and answers my prayers. I have seen it over and over in my life. However, I had not considered that there is a progression in life for our prayers being fully answered. As I sang this hymn, the order of these words struck me:
- Sweet forgiving. We must have a forgiving heart in this life in order for us to be forgiven. Forgiveness is so important. We will be judged by how we judge others. Without forgiveness, we could not be saved.
- Tolerance and love. After we learn how to forgive, understanding and love must replace the anger and bad feelings that were once present. Tolerance is not necessarily the acceptance of things we disagree with. Rather, it is the ability to "agree to disagree" in a way that allows love to enter a relationship. This cannot happen without forgiveness, though. And then we progress to...
- Our prayers find access to...above. I have seen in my life that, when I have a forgiving, tolerant heart and seek to love those around me, my prayers can be more fully answered. In the darkest part of my journey out of anxiety, I was not forgiving, tolerant, or filled with love; for myself or anyone else. Once I was able to have the cloud of anxiety lifted, I have been far quicker to forgive, have tolerance, and feel love for myself, those around me, and the divine relationships between myself and my Savior and Heavenly Father. My prayers have been more fully answered by my choices, and the peace I sought during these times has become a reality as I am working towards living more like my Savior. I am not perfect, but I am at peace as I continue to forgive, tolerate, love, and pray.
- Regain Thy presence. I now understand that heaven will be filled with imperfect people who tried their best. The people that will be able to live with God again are those who have followed the progression of this song and have made covenants they have kept. I am so grateful to know that I have the chance to be one of those imperfect people. I know that my Savior loves me, loves all of us, and that Heavenly Father wants each of His children to return home. If He and the Savior (perfected beings) can give others multiple chances, how much more important it is for me, an imperfect being.
The next hymn that taught and fed my soul today is called "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer". Text and music are both by H. R. Palmer. The third verse seemed incredibly appropriate for what has been happening in the world lately:
"Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Thou wilt bind the broken heart.
Let not sorrow overwhelm us;
Dry the bitter tears that start.
Curb the winds and calm the billows;
Bid the angry tempest cease.
Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Grant us everlasting peace."
This hymn has put into words the prayer of my heart for the many who are currently suffering from sickness, uncertainty, despair, and fear. A few years ago, this situation would have sent me reeling with anxiety and I would be a mess right now. Because of the kindness of friends, family, and especially my Father in Heaven and Savior, I am at peace right now. I have a strong testimony that peace can be found in the Atonement of our Savior. I know that He lives. I know that He is the Way, the Truth, the Light, and our Advocate with the Father. When we follow Him, we will have peace, clarity, healing, and hope.
Thank you again for stopping by today. I hope that my words have helped you feel of the love our Father and Savior have for you! I invite you to look forward with faith and search the hymns you love for truth and comfort during times of difficulty. Wishing you a blessed day, always!
