Help in troubling times

By Lorel Box
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Through this historical time, we have each had to change our life. No one has been spared. So much is changing so fast that we don’t know from one moment to the next what we can depend on — except God.
We have been taught that we must “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not onto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A new world filled with dangers, shortages and isolations may fill our hearts with fear of the unknown, fear of the upcoming couple of months, and a tremendous loneliness for our loved ones.
Try and remember that the Lord has taught us that we must “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I, the Lord they God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10 & 13).
In checking the latest statistics, the latest victims, the latest news we may find our hearts weighed down in grief and sorrow and feel helpless, even hopeless.
We must find joy. Please remember “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Spend at least as much time looking for the joy in your life as you do feeding the despair. While you can’t go visit your loved ones you can still contact them in other ways. Everyone loves fun mail! Send notes and cards. Use this time to read, play instruments, or just pick flowers. Build your joy. Be merry as much as possible.
I’ve heard many people justifying venturing out by saying “it’s all in God’s hands.” While this is very true He has also put a brain in our heads. In the Book of Mormon we read “Oh be wise, what can I say more.” (BOM Jacob 6:12)
So, there you have it; from the word of God. While we all weather the storm together we must trust in the Lord and acknowledge him, fear not, have a merry heart and remember, please be wise.
Finally, please “Be still, and know that I Am God” (Psalms 46:10).