9 And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks unto the God of Israel.
(1 Nephi 5:9)
This week, I’m studying gratitude.
In the first five chapters of the Book of Mormon, Lehi and Sariah endure a significant amount of disruption. Besides the normal stresses of raising a large family and managing a household, Lehi has become a target of scorn and anger in their city by testifying of truths he has learned by revelation (1 Nephi 1:19-20). Then, they are commanded to leave everything and travel in the wilderness, living in tents, to an unknown destination (1 Nephi 2:2-4). Some of their children are predictably unhappy with the change and complain constantly (1 Nephi 2:11-14). Then, Lehi sends their sons back to the city on a dangerous mission (1 Nephi 3:1-6). I can only imagine the cumulative impact of these experiences on their peace and happiness. When their sons don’t return as quickly as expected, Sariah fears the worst: “Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness,” she says (1 Nephi 5:2). Lehi attempts to comfort her by reminding her of the blessings and the promises they have received from God. But it is only after their sons return safely that Nephi tells us, “my mother was comforted” (1 Nephi 5:7).
As the verse above tells us, Lehi and Sariah were filled with joy. Their first action, before even examining the records which their sons had brought, was to offer sacrifice to the Lord in order to express gratitude for their sons’ safe return.
One of the blessings of adversity is the joy we experience when it is finished. If we “realize and know from whence [our] blessings come” (Mormon 5:10), then our natural response to being delivered is to turn to God and thank Him. But if we are not so spiritually attuned, we may miss that opportunity and the growth that comes with it.
Today, I will thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings I have received from Him. As I consider the challenges I face, and as I plead for His help in facing those challenges, I will remember the importance of acknowledging the help I receive from Him. I will follow the example of Lehi and Sariah by being quick to give thanks to God.
Today, I will thank my Heavenly Father for the blessings I have received from Him. As I consider the challenges I face, and as I plead for His help in facing those challenges, I will remember the importance of acknowledging the help I receive from Him. I will follow the example of Lehi and Sariah by being quick to give thanks to God.
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