Isaiah expressed the joy he wanted his people to feel by encouraging them to "put on [their] beautiful garments." The phrase appears several times in the Book of Mormon and in Doctrine and Covenants 82. God wants us to celebrate our bright futuree. Temple worship and covenants can help us prepare for the Savior's return.
“Lift Up Your Heart”
Jeremiah encouraged his people to "lift up our heart" during difficult times and to remember the promises they had received from God. Jacob and Nephi echoed this invitation to their people, and the Lord has reiterated it in modern revelation. We can find joy not only in blessings received but also in promised blessings.
“Joy and Gladness”
The Lord asked Martin Harris if he could read His words without rejoicing. This is a good question for all of us. Can you find joy in the gospel? Are you artificially inhibiting that joy? How would your life be different if you allowed yourself to feel all that God wants you to feel?
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi's family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or whether we isolate ourselves, He is always mindful of us, and we are more connected with other people than we may realize.
“Loose Thyself”
Do we make repentance harder than it needs to be by thinking of it as the beginning of the process instead of the end? The Savior has already paid the price for our sins in full. All we have to do is set aside our chains, let them go, and walk away.
Promised Light
After three days of darkness, when the light returned, the mourning of the Nephites and the Lamanites was turned into joy. Some of our "nights" may last weeks or months, but the promise remains: Morning will come; there will be joy.
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah urged us to put on our beautiful garments. The message is metaphorical, but there is also a literal application. The way we dress for worship activities can communicate our love and devotion to God.
Joy and Gladness
Jacob read the prophecies of Isaiah so that his people would rejoice in God's promised blessings. He said, "Let your hearts rejoice." Sometimes, we need to shift our focus and then get out of our own way in order to experience spontaneous joy.
Awake and Arise!
Lehi repeatedly admonished his sons to do three things: 1. Awake 2. Arise from the dust. 3. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound. We can follow his admonitions by being more aware and more engaged, and by letting go of unproductive activities.
Sacrifice and Thanksgiving
The book of Jonah contains a poetic prayer which the prophet offered from the belly of the fish. In that prayer, he laments the blessings lost by those who turn away from God, and he vows to be faithful to the covenants he has made: They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will... Continue Reading →