“Prepare Your Hearts”

Our success in overcoming challenges depends heavily on our emotional readiness.

The children of Israel were rattled after being defeated repeatedly by the Philistines. With another battle looming over them, the prophet Samuel urged them to prepare not physically but spiritually.

Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 7:3

The people followed his counsel and were miraculously victorious when the Philistines attacked again.

This story reminds me of Moroni, who not only ensured that his armies and his cities were physically prepared to defend themselves, but who also inspired their hearts and prepared their minds by preaching the gospel and reminding them of the things that matter most. (See Alma 43:48; Alma 48:7, 19-20.) Mormon attributes Moroni’s success in battle partially to this high morale, based on a close connection with God:

They cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.

And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them;

Alma 43:49-50

In September 1830, a few days before the second general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lord instructed a group of church leaders to gather all who would hear His voice. Like Samuel and like Moroni, he emphasized the importance of heart-preparation in advance of the calamities that would precede His Second Coming:

The decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:8

As I’ve thought about these passages today, I’ve thought about how general conference this weekend can prepare my heart for the challenges I will face in the future. Here are a few thoughts:

1. A prepared heart is a settled heart. As the insights from conference help to answer questions and dispel doubts, I will be able to focus more clearly on my highest priorities.
2. A prepared heart is a courageous heart. As I remember how the Lord has blessed me and learn about how the Lord has blessed other people, I will be able to exercise faith in Him more fully.
3. A prepared heart is a connected heart. The united participation of church members around the globe will strengthen me with an awareness of our collective discipleship.
4. A prepared heart is a committed heart. Inspiring words can remind me of the covenants I have made with God and deepen my resolve to live according to those covenants.

Today, I will remember the importance of emotional and spiritual preparation. I will be grateful for inspired leaders who help to prepare my heart for challenging experiences yet to come.