Are there times in your life when it is difficult to find the hand of the Lord in your life? Often in the midst of trials or even day to day life it can be difficult to recognize that the Lord cares about your daily struggles. It is too easy to think that only the really big milestones matter to the Lord, or that you are insignificant in the sight of the Lord. There are times that I struggle with these feelings. However I know that the Lord loves me. When I feel this way I do a few things to help combat my feelings of discouragement.
First I take a few minutes each day to think about the way the Lord has blessed me that day. It may be something simples such as the sunshine or the cool rain. It may be that the children behaved better or that I was able to control my temper. It may be the calming peace I felt as I read the scriptures or prayed. I then take a few minutes to give thanks in prayer for these things.
I will spend time reading through my journal and reviewing the things that I have learned and the times that the Lord has blessed me. It is always astounding to me how much the Lord really does. Often I did not see the big blessings until I was through the trials. Looking back at my life this way reminds me that the Lord has a plan for me and He is watching over me.
I spend time focusing more on my scripture study and personal prayer. These things help me to have the spirit be with me more often. They calm me and I am able to recognize the promptings of the spirit much more easily when I do this. It really is a blessing to have the scriptures and the ability to pray.
I try to reach out and help those around me. It is a blessing to help others. It brightens my day and allows me to see and count my blessings. It is also a joy to know that I am helping someone else in my own small way.
Finally I make sure that I am taking care of my physical body as well. I tend to become depressed more easily when I am not getting enough exercise, eating poorly and not getting enough sleep. By taking care of my body, my spirit is much more able to respond to promptings and recognize blessings in my life.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Gratitude: A Path to Happiness”