Words of Comfort and Encouragement from Isaiah

This morning, as I studied 2 Nephi 16-20 (Isaiah 6-10), a number of phrases caught my attention. Here they are and why they are meaningful to me:

• “Here am I; send me” (2 Nephi 16:8). When Isaiah heard that help was needed, he volunteered immediately and enthusiastically. I would like to be that quick to respond to opportunities to serve.
• “Fear not, neither be faint-hearted” (2 Nephi 17:4). Faith and courage go hand in hand. If I really trust God, I ought to paint with bold strokes and not be timid or hesitant.
• “I will wait upon the Lord” (2 Nephi 18:17). Part of having faith in God is trusting His timing. I will recognize that God’s blessings will come in their proper time, and I will strive to overcome my natural impatience.
• “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light” (2 Nephi 19:2). Revelation not only gives us insight; it also gives us hope. Seeing clearly helps us overcome discouragement. I am grateful for the perspective I receive from the scriptures and from personal revelation.
• “The remnant shall return” (2 Nephi 20:21). Isaiah reassured his readers that, in spite of the prophesied captivity of Israel, all was not lost. Some of the conquered Israelites would return to God and would be delivered from captivity. The frustrations and failures I encounter are likely not as catastrophic as they seem. Blessings are bound emerge if I am faithful.
• “Yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease” (2 Nephi 20:25). Some of the unpleasant things we experience are caused by the harmful decisions of other people. But we have the Lord’s promise that these harmful circumstances will not last forever.
• “The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (2 Nephi 20:27). The word “Messiah” means “the Anointed One.” “Christ” means the same thing. What has the Savior been anointed to do? To free us from every burden: “The Lord hath anointed me…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1). As His disciples, we also labor “to undo the heavy burdens, to undo the heavy burdens…and [to] break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).

Today, I will work with courage and with faith. I will trust God’s promises and be patient with His timing. Above all, I will remember the Savior, the One who was anointed to break every yoke.