I am reaching for a cathartic habit of thinking and writing. I write music, which allows my mind to express itself on behalf of my heart. My mind sometimes feels dormant, which brings us to this blog.
My Perspective on Trials
Heavenly Father loves each and every person despite their trials. Some trials have sadly convinced people that their life provides a reason to shun their Father and disobey his commandments. Preparing our heart to receive holy guidance alleviates those temptations. Should the trial be visible like being born into an impoverished background, an abusive parent, or a physical disability, the trial does not come from our Heavenly Father as a punishment or as a curse to be carried with shame. Every physical trial faced in the history of Earth carries the same purpose—to challenge one’s resolve to live a faithful obedient life. Trials can be transformed into a positive opportunity if seen by loving eyes with a caring heart.
Weakness to temptation while facing trials does not bring punishment, though the Holy Spirit will only reside with those in holy behavior. All people suffer from spiritual emptiness without attention from the Holy Spirit. Some are unaware that our Father in Heaven loves us and protects us if we but listen to his guide. Jesus promised to pray to Heavenly Father to give us the Holy Spirit as "another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth" (John 14:15-17) The spiritual emptiness will soften and humble those who are ready for it. However, that spiritual emptiness may unfortunately promote resentment in those who are not prepared with a “broken spirit and a contrite heart.” (Psalms 51:17) Praying with thoughtful faith and humility for guidance opens a door to the path of broken spirit and contrite heart. Allowing humility to permeate our every moment and thought will prepare us to feel and hear guidance through the Holy Spirit, thereby strengthening our response to trials.
Jesus Christ, while suffering at the end of the atonement, during his crucifixion, felt this spiritual emptiness as his Heavenly Father turned away to allow it to pass. Jesus cried, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus felt abandoned for a short moment by not feeling the support of his loving Father. Nevertheless, Jesus resumed responsibility for our sins by suffering for them and enduring his trial beyond the capacity of any human being. His love for us and for Heavenly Father never has been shown more emphatically. His lifelong dedication to the will of our Heavenly Father prepared him to feel and hear guidance and comfort through the Holy Spirit.
If one’s trial is invisible to mankind like a psychological disorder, or a recurring powerful temptation like addiction, the same truth holds fast, that Heavenly Father does not punish us through our trials. Rather, he presents us with a task that may pass quickly or may remain dormant for some time, only to resurface later from a different angle requiring a new solution or additional help from our Lord, Jesus Christ. His atonement compiled all woes through which we suffer. His compassion will carry us through our trials through faith in his direction and example. One of the best examples of being carried through trial is Job. Job suffered from trials of difficult illness, loss of friends, and death of loved ones. He responded, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Our Father loves us regardless of the intensity of a trial. Facing each trial with this perspective will facilitate the best mindset possible to survive with joy. Beyond that, only faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice will comfort us and bring us home to our Heavenly Father.
