I have been thinking a lot about the purpose of life and why we have adversity, especially since that was what my lesson in Laurels was on today. Here is an outline and some things I looked at to help me with this lesson:
This is the purpose of adversity according to the Come Follow Me Lesson outline:
As part of Heavenly Father’s plan, we must experience adversity during mortality. In some cases, adversity comes as the result of our own poor choices or the choices of others. Other trials are simply a natural part of our mortal experience. Though they are difficult, our challenges can help us grow spiritually and become more like Jesus Christ.
This actually turned into more of a "how to handle adversity with optimism" lesson. The lesson last week in Priesthood meeting and Relief Society was from The Teachings of Pres. Hinckley and was on optimism. So that colored my lesson.
Here are a few quotes from Pres. Hinckley:
“Don’t be gloomy. Do not dwell on unkind things. Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. ‘Accentuate the positive.’ Look a little deeper for the good. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life.”
"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is.
It all works out. Don’t worry.
I say that to myself every morning.
It will all work out.
Put your trust in God,
and move forward with faith
and confidence in the future.
The Lord will not forsake us.
He will not forsake us.
If we will put our trust in Him,
if we will pray to Him,
if we will live worthy of His blessings,
He will hear our prayers."
From the funeral program for Marjorie Pay Hinckley, April 10, 2004; see also “Latter-day Counsel,” Ensign, Oct. 2000, 73.
Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.
Also a favorite of mine from Elder Holland: Good Things to Come
I started making a list of things to do to get us through adversity:
Have an optimistic attitude, don't be bitter
Count your blessings
Make a list of things that make you HAPPYExercise faith, be willing to step into the darkness
Be teachable: What can I learn from this?
Take time to be quiet: prayer, scriptures, general conference talks, write in journal
Listen to good music
Watch and listen for the tender mercies of the Lord
Go to church
Ask for a blessing
Read your patriarchal blessing
Exercise, eat right, get the right amount of sleep but not too much
Get out in nature
Go to the temple
Serve others
Be patient
Don't stop attending church.
Don't compare your trials with others'
Follow the prophet
My Laurels each shared a scripture they likes that helps them when they struggle:
2 Nephi 26:15 ...and the prayers of the faithful shall be heard, and all those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not be forgotten.
D&C 122: 7-8:
And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
Galatians 5:22-23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
1 Nephi 3:7:
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
They also shared a hymn or Primary song that helps them:
