1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.
I love the pairing of two phrases in this verse:
– “Having seen many afflictions in the course of my days”
– “Nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days.”
A couple of observations about that pairing of concepts:
1. To be highly favored of the Lord is not to be free from adversity. We may endure significant suffering as part of our mortal life in spite of the fact (or even because of the fact) that our Father in Heaven loves us deeply and wants what is best for us. The afflictions do not invalidate the blessings, and they may even be part of the blessings.
2. Nephi has trained his mind to prioritize and focus on what matters most. Having seen many afflictions, he was certainly knowledgeable about trials and difficulties. He certainly had stories to tell, if he had considered that to be a good use of his time and energy. But he chooses, even in this short verse, to focus on the positive: righteous earthly parents who taught him well and a loving Heavenly Father who has given him great knowledge of hidden things. He doesn’t pretend that the afflictions aren’t there, but he also doesn’t belabor them.
3. How did he know that he was “highly favored of the Lord” in spite of his afflictions? Because he had been given “a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God.” In other words, Nephi had learned to value wisdom over comfort. His life was not painless, and yet it was meaningful and fulfilling because he had gained great knowledge. That knowledge has eternal value, whereas worldly conveniences have only temporary and fleeting significance (see D&C 130:18-19, Proverbs 4:7).
Today, I will practice focusing my mind on the great blessings I receive from Heavenly Father and will acknowledge but not dwell on the difficulties and inconveniences I encounter along the way.