The author of Joshua steps back near the end of the book to clearly state the core message of the book: God keeps His promises. Mormon provides similar conclusions in the Book of Mormon, even inviting readers to conduct their own inventory and see for themselves.
A Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
The Lord advised the early Saints to offer prayers of "praise and thanksgiving." Thanksgiving is informed joy, with an awareness of its source. Praise is generalized gratitude, directed to the Giver of joy. The two are complementary. We can thank God for specific blessings and acknowledge Him as the ultimate Giver of all good gifts.
Zarahemla, Nashville, or Nauvoo
In 1841, the Lord instructed church members in Iowa to gather in locations identified by the prophet. Gathering brings strength and safety and prepares us to be with the Savior. A community of believers helps each of us achieve our full potential and empowers us to more fully accomplish God's purposes.
Reading to Understand
Communication requires effort on the part of the giver and the receiver. Sometimes, the Savior invites us to do more work as readers or listeners. He often signals those moments with phrases like "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," or "Whoso readeth, let him understand."
“Hold Your Peace”
The phrase "hold your peace" means to remain silent and calm. The Lord instructed Joseph and Hyrum Smith to hold their peace in 1829. A number of people in the Book of Mormon remained silent for long periods of time. We can often communicate more effectively and feel less anxious by slowing down and not rushing to speak.
“All Flesh Shall See It Together”
After Jesus's ministry in ancient America, it took some time for people to be converted and united. But when He returns in our day, there will be no ambiguity. We will all be witnesses. We need to prepare now for that event, by testifying and unifying.
Searching
We normally "search" for something in particular. But the Savior's instruction to "search the prophets," may have a more general meaning. We may benefit from simply asking what the prophets were trying to say and what their messages mean for us.
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.
There Was Silence
After the natural disasters which coincided with the death of Jesus Christ, and after hearing His voice, the survivors sat in silence for many hours. What would we experience if we took the time to reduce the noise in our lives and sit in silence?
What Does Darkness Feel Like?
The ninth plague was darkness so thick it could be felt. The Nephites experienced a similar darkness after the death of Jesus. But they heard Him declare that He is the light of the world, and their mourning was replaced by joy when the light returned.