How have you seen Heavenly Father’s love for you?
Upon Line Conversation Card Journaling
I love the first verse in the Book of Mormon and here’s why:
Nephi clearly states that he has been through a lot. He has seen his shares of trials. As you continue to read the book of Nephi and the experiences that he had in his life show that he did have hardship.
However, listen to what he says, “I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.”
So, as I think about this question, “How have you seen Heavenly Father’s love for you?” I think, “I have seen many afflictions in my own days, however, I have been greatly blessed by the Lord in all those days.”
There’s a book called the Gap and The Gain by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan. In it they explain about how happiness comes not from reaching a destination but from seeing how far we have come. When we focus on the gap, how far we still have to go or all the mistakes that we’ve made, we struggle to feel that happiness, however, if we focus on the gain, the steps that we’ve already taken and the things that we’ve learned, we find that happiness.
The same is true in relation to seeing God’s love in our lives. Are you focused on the gap, the ways you think you haven’t been blessed? Or are you focused on the gain, how the Lord has already blessed you?
Nephi and his brothers, Laman and Lemuel, are clear examples of this concept.
Laman and Lemuel saw an angel, and mumbled and complained.
Nephi saw an angel, and felt blessed by it.
Laman and Lemuel complained.
Nephi saw that their leaving Jerusalem was a blessing.
Laman and Lemuel chose to believe that the Lord didn’t reveal things to them.
Nephi chose to believe that the Lord would answer his prayers and help him to understand his father’s teachings.
Laman and Lemuel were ready to give up at the first moment of resistance.
Nephi, in spite of a couple of attempts to get the plates, believed that they would succeed.
Nephi lived in the gain when it came to seeing God’s hand in his life. Laman and Lemuel lived in the gap.
So, how have I seen God’s love for me?
He’s been with me through all the afflictions that I’ve been through. He’s given me peace and strength. He’s taught me. He’s led me through those most difficult times.
In those moments where I didn’t think I had anything else in me, He helped me to see that I was stronger than I realized.
In those moments where I was overcome with grief, He allowed me space to grieve and comforted me. He showed me how to find peace again.
In those moments when anger would cloud my judgement, He guided me to understanding and love.
In those moments when all hope seemed gone, a glimmer of His light shown through.
In those moments where my mistakes and sins overwhelmed me, He showed me a way to the Atonement, to repentance, and to peace.
In those moments where doubt clouded my mind, He taught me how to have faith, to hold on.
In those moments where I felt I was alone, He showed me He was there and/or sent someone to give me clarity in the truth that I am not alone.
In those moments where I failed to see who I divinely was, He gave me a greater vision of who I truly am.
And He’s also been there through the times of joy, filling my soul with love. Letting me know that He cared about me in the simple joys and beauty of life that are all around us.
In those times when you struggle, when afflictions abound. He is there. His love continues whether or not we see.
He loves you. And He always will.
If you are wanting to see more ways that God shows His love for you, sign up for my free “Recognizing God’s Love” Gratitude Course at https://dreaminspirers.com/gratitudecourse/
*This question comes from the Gospel Basics set of Upon Line Conversation Cards. Click the button below to learn more about the cards.
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