TJ Hirst

Galatians 5:22-23

My friend is in crisis. The anxiety of the situation permeates her life. As I help her carry the burden, it touches mine as well. But in these days of stress, I remember many faith-filled days we’ve shared. We’ve sat on her couch and read scripture together. We’ve talked on the phone and uplifted each other. I’ve taught her, and she’s taught me.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:32

So I help her remember these times that felt like this. And watching her persevere, I know such gatherings in His name became her reservoir of faith that she stored unknowingly before this storm.

But even so, her crises does not cease—nor the resulting apprehension and fear. The words I offer sound shallow because they cannot pry away the pain. How grateful I was when my eyes traveled down the page and I could share these promises from the Lord:

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 6: 34, 36

While I have tried to give words of support or strength, the words I say almost don’t even matter; its my ear she wants and someone to steer her to the Lord’s words.

Life brings some hard lessons.
The sturdiest plants are not grown under glass,
and strength of character is not derived from the avoidance of problems.

Ruth May Fox

as quoted by Julie B. Beck in Remembering, Repenting and Changing

Learning to listen is not just a lesson I teach my children, it is a lesson I continue to learn myself, especially that I may receive divine communication.

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

The Book of Mormon - 2 Nephi 28:30

When my friend recently talked to me about taking away all the distractions and barriers so that she can have the Holy Spirit guide her, I could relate to that feeling. Often I feel a tight ball of stress swelling right in my chest. I know it is keeping me from more. More faith. More knowledge. More love. I know when I feel it, but sometimes it is hard to let go. But when I am willing, my heart opens, and I receive.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Genesis 2:2-3