Bearing Your Burdens.....

When my heart and mind were filled with discouragement, there was no room for concern for others and no room for God’s love for me in my heart. Daily I tormented myself, thinking in circles, deciding first on one desperate measure, then another.  There was no air, no breathing space, between me and my problem; I was entangled and confused.  I could see nothing straight and clear, nothing was revealed in its true colors, only the flaming red of constant hysteria and apprehension.  To have found a way out of this kind of thinking is a miracle in itself; I found that miracle in my ARP groups.  My own problems were brought into focus by relating them to those of others.  I found I could give some thought and compassion to them, and then I began to have peace of mind. 

Today’s reminder:

It is the sharing of experience and hope that makes ARP contacts so important to us.  Every time I read the ARP Guide or the Scriptures, every time I attend a meeting or talk with a fellow member by telephone, we grow in serenity and strength.  Let me accept all the rich comfort available to me in this way of life, for I know it can help me in all life’s trials.   (Paraphrased from ODAT, March 8)

12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.

  13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

  14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

  15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did  strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.  (Mosiah 24: 12-15)