As I look back on my life, I find that there are times full of peace and happiness and times when life wasn’t happy or at all peaceful. These times do not necessarily coincide with being in the midst of a trial, because I’ve had trials I’ve ridden out with peace in my heart. What I’ve found the biggest difference is where my focus was, and how productive I was at the time.
When my life was centered on the gospel and reaching out to help others, I found peace, even when going through my difficult times. I also found that I was more effective at accomplishing my goals and my daily tasks. For me a great deal of satisfaction and happiness comes from a job well done.
The times when I struggled the hardest were the times that I could not seem to be able to accomplish anything. My focus was on the things I could not control or on my failures, not on the Savior or the gospel. These times I floundered through and did not accomplish as much nearly as well.
The difference between the situations is where I put my heart, and my trust. When I take the time to truly read my scriptures and make my prayers personal, my life is much happier. I get more done, and I am much more content with where I am going. When I do not do this, then I lose focus.
Choosing to put the Lord first and trust that things will work out can be extremely difficult, but it is the only way to find true peace. While you are trusting the Lord it is important to be as proactive as possible. This may mean addressing the situation or trial you are in head on or finding different ways to deal with it. It may mean focusing your attention away from yourself and looking for ways to help others. As you sincerely pray, you will learn where your focus should be, and what you can do to become more effective and happy.
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