To Hope For That Which Is Not Seen

Posted by Frances | September 10, 2009 | 34 Comments

I have a question.

It is a hard question. Sometimes I am embarrassed to ask it. But it is the kind of question that deserves an answer, so I am going to ask it right here. Right now. It is this.

Is my life really better when I do what the Lord asks?

Obviously, the answer is yes. Because really, what else could the answer be? If I have heard it once (and I have), I have heard it a million times. (And I have.)

When you say your prayers in the morning, your day goes better.

When you read your scriptures every day, your life goes better.

And so on. And so forth.

But is it really so obvious?

Because sometimes I say my prayers in the morning and my day is just rotten. And sometimes I don’t say my prayers in the morning and everything goes just fine.

Because sometimes I don’t read my scriptures at all and my life still seems pretty good. And sometimes I read my scriptures faithfully and my life doesn’t seem any better than it was when I was slacking.

So, I ask my question again. Is my life really better when I do what the Lord asks?

Or, maybe the better question is, How is my life better when I do what the Lord asks?

If you are looking for an answer, I am afraid you have come to the wrong place. I am still working on that part of the equation. And the answer I come up with will probably be different from the answer you would come up with. But if we can agree on this one thing, I think we’ll be off to a good start.

God always tells the truth.

I believe that God always tells the truth. So, if God tells me my life will be better if I follow Him and do His will, I have to believe that is the truth.

Now you probably have a question, and it probably goes something like this. If you believe that God does not lie, and God tells you that your life is better when you do what He asks, then what is the problem? Or, rather, what is your problem?

This is a valid question, friends. Luckily, I have an answer this time.

Believing in theory and proving through application are not the same thing. I understand the concept. But I am not looking for concepts. I am looking for cold, hard facts. I am looking for proof, however simple and however small, that the work of exact obedience is not wasted.

Alma teaches us that to have faith is to hope for things that are not seen, but are true. Right now, in this moment, I cannot see clearly the difference that doing everything the Lord asks of me makes, but I am willing to hope that the promise of that difference is true. So the exercise of my faith, then, becomes acting with exactness anyway, hoping the Lord will help me to see that which, right now, I cannot.

Category: Daily Special

Comments

34 Responses to “To Hope For That Which Is Not Seen”

JLS
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:09 pm

I think that we get hung up on this question because of what we definte “better” as being. We think it means easier and happier. I can’t help but consider our purpose in life and think that in God’s definition life isn’t “better” when it is easier – it is better when we are learning to become like Him. Sometimes “better” IS the struggles. Having struggles WITH the tools we need to overcome them is much better that not having the tools we need. And working to accomplish and overcome the challenges of life IS better than coasting through without progression.
Dovie
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:10 pm

Peace. That is my only answer. I find peace. Occasionally sometimes often I see miracles, and sometimes I need miracles and sometimes I receive that kind of assistance. But what I really need every single day is deep abiding peace. That is what is on my side of the equation. My heart is a torrent and the only way I know to find true peace is to do what the Lord asks of me. I have a little experience with big disobedience and the lots of my life was going just fine and from the outside things were fine but in my heart there was this torrent.

When I was first married I went to the Lord and essentially said, “There are some many things in my life that are not according to thy will. I can’t do it all but tell me one thing the first thing the most important thing and I will do that.” The answer was personal prayer. I did that. When I felt like I could handle it, I ask for the next thing it was personal scripture study. Other things followed. I am feeling a little off the rails right now so perhaps it is time for another conversation to find what the next thing is, in addition I need to review my previous instructions.
Faith.Not.Fear
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:21 pm

The children of Israel asked much the same question in Malachi 3:

14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?

They questioned why it seemed like the people who didn’t keep God’s commandments were happy — maybe even happier, richer, etc. than they, the obedient ones were:

15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

Here is our reassurance:

16 ¶ Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

For me, I rely on my book of personal remembrances; I reflect on the times that I have been blessed for obedience — the answers to prayer, the scriptures just for me, the angels who help, sufficient funds when it seemed impossible, etc.

I know I need to trust God’s truth, and keep doing my best. And according to President Hinckley, that’s what God asks. I have to rely on that, rather than miss out on the afore mentioned blessings — I need them too much!
CJC
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:26 pm

I’m not the best at any of the “essentials” but I know that I really loose perspective when I’m not doing one or two of them each day. Perspective to see that the daily struggles are small steps in my refining process – and that life really isn’t that bad, even when it’s been a tough day.
Faith.Not.Fear
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

Frances – Thanks for this opportunity to think, and remember! I found that scripture one night while scripture studying (being obedient)– I saw the blessing the next day when my Primary class asked that very same question! I was able to answer them because I’d been obedient. It was a hugely humbling experience!

Dovie – Thanks for the reminder to do a self-check on the basics! I know those things are so important and bring immense blessings, but sometimes I slack off when life’s little tsunamis come along! Thank you!
Liz C
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:32 pm

It sometimes helps me to remember that God’s definition of the span of my life is a lot longer than one day, or even one decade. I am an eternal being, and will have an eternal life. Even when a day, or string of days, or decades, are difficult, the overall tenor of my life will be better with God, than without.

It is frustrating to see seeming “rewards” for those who do not concern themselves with God’s ways, or to not easily sense the benefits I have in the midst to struggles.

One prayer that always helps me is this: asking God to enlarge my capacities. I do not progress if I ask for all my burdens to be removed, but with His help in enlarging my capacity, I can more joyfully bear them or overcome them.

Asking for knowledge of Which Needful Thing to Do, and then enlarged capacities and a will to do them, does help me.
corktree
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:43 pm

It certainly helps my perspective on the bad days to consider the possibility that they could actually be worse! Better is, of course, relative. I also try to remember that “better” in the long run may only occur after bumps in the road. Life isn’t a straight shot, and sometimes, if you find yourself on the wrong road, you may need to cut through on some dirt paths before you find the next paved road. As far as good days when I’m not doing what I should…it helps me to realize that the wrong road can be paved and smooth, but it won’t lead me where I want to go.
Lauren
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:44 pm

Doing the day-to-day spiritual maintenance like prayer and scripture study do one important thing for me:

Keep the conversation going between me and my Father.

I don’t always see immediate effects, but staying in touch allows Him to be part of my life continuously, and more immediately when I need Him most. Just like any relationship, our relationship with God requires talking regularly.
Liz C
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:46 pm

Corktree, I have to laugh–for years and years, my “it could be worse” thought was, “It could be Idaho.” For some reason, as a small child I determined that driving across southern Idaho must be what Hell was, so the thought that I was okay, that everything could be worse if I lived in Idaho, was comforting.

And now, I live in Idaho. And it’s been good.
April
September 10th, 2009 @ 5:51 pm

I think the blessings of God come in so many ways. The fact is that if you don’t follow God’s teachings or if you do you will be blessed and also find afflictions and temptations. There is no promise that you will be rewarded for your good works in this life. Often when we do good we are blessed but there is no promise that our life will go smoothly. On the other hand when things don’t go well it does not mean we are being punished either.
For me when I look back over my life the best times are always when I was doing the Lord’s will. Often living the gosple is just exercise in learning to be an instrument in God’s hands, fine tuning each note so when needed the Lord can use you for his work. The Savior is the ultimate example of this. When he says to God “send me and all the glory be thine.” true happiness comes from losing yourself in God’s work and not in finding God’s work in your own life.
I forget this all the time. We are here to learn to love and follow God. Life doesn’t seem to run on the rewards systems we use to motivate our children. If you are struggling to find meaning in the gosple I say lose yourself in God’s work and as he promised you will find yourself! As I write these words I can feel the truth of them in my bones. Thanks for the reminder!
corktree
September 10th, 2009 @ 6:04 pm

Liz C – “Ditto” from one Idaho transplant to another (my childhood also included drive throughs that gave me the willies (from Seattle to Salt Lake). Coming from New Hampshire, I’m still not sure this isn’t some form of lesson in tolerance/punishment on my bad days.
Sinclair
September 10th, 2009 @ 6:29 pm

“Exact obedience”?

Then what does that make of the Atonement?

I’m not saying it’s not a worthwhile endeavor but, seriously, as a Latter-Day Saint, there’s just so much to be done, so much on the list that I cannot believe it’s possible. We cannot be “exact” about everything all at once and are quickly left to picking and choosing what we will be exact about. I hope not to come off offensive, but it’s seems to me to be just shy of ludacris. (And I’m speaking from personal experience here. I’ve tried….doesn’t work.)

“Is my life really better when I do what the Lord asks?”

That depends on what we believe the Lord asks of us and His definition of better versus our own notions.

“Come, follow me” seems to be what He asks. After that, surrendering of our will is the only way for Him to make of our lives what they should be. I believe it was CS Lewis who stated that our will is the only thing we can offer to Him that was ever really ours to give.

Tough road…not at all easy, but only as we recognize that simple truth does the “checklist” then come alive.

“Better” is subjective.

Prayers, reading and co. are an act of obedience, a way for us to continually surrender and recognize our total dependence upon Heavenly Father for all that we have and hope for…all of the time. Learning to trust Him is hard, but He’s not going to abandon us. That’s where the “better” comes in, knowing He is aware of us on such an intimate level and letting Him take charge of our lives.

Funny thing, but when we surrender our will to Heavenly Father, really surrender and do what He asks, He then becomes responsible for us. The atonement is a wonderful thing.
jks
September 10th, 2009 @ 6:53 pm

I think that thinking pray today = better day today is too short-sighted. When you are working for something better in the long run (like a college education, raising children) expecting it to be better/easier in the short term is naive. I can put my kids in front of the TV and tell them to fend for themselves and have a much better, easier, happy day of doing other stuff besides parenting. However, I really believe that I will be happier in the long run if I parent them properly so I will go ahead and make sacrifices on a daily basis even though I don’t see “results” that day.
Also, prayer is about learning to hear Heavenly Father, not about logging it in. I have to add my testimony that prayer helps communication with God which then helps you make decisions in your life that DO make a big difference.
m2theh
September 10th, 2009 @ 7:11 pm

Personally, I have found life is easier when I’m not doing everything I’m supposed to be, and a lot harder when I’m trying to do things like daily scripture study and prayers, and attending the temple really seems to kick up problems in life.
Jenny
September 10th, 2009 @ 7:30 pm

“to trust God’s truth”
That word: TRUST is the key.
It’s taking the leap of faith everyday.
You trust that even though things aren’t peachy, at the end of the race, you’ll feel divine. Worn out, but happy. Short-sightedness isn’t enough. Vision, trust and faith. That’s part of the equation for me.
Angie
September 10th, 2009 @ 7:41 pm

I sometimes ask myself the same questions in my day-to-day life. But the funny thing is that I do know, because i DID try it the other way. We didn’t go to Church. We only had one child. I worked and my husband stayed home. I drank the occasional wine cooler. And so on. In some ways my life then was better. We had more free time and free money than we do now with 6 kids on one teacher’s salary. We traveled and ate out and enjoyed our freedom. We were also miserable and almost ended up divorced. I often feel overworked and underpaid nowadays, but my marriage is solid, and I am hopeful and peaceful in a deep way that I wasn’t before. I can’t correlate everything that happens in my life with a particular act of obedience–ie I read the scriptures this morning so I didn’t tub my toe getting into the car–but when I look at the big picture of my happiness and my family’s success the difference is huge.
Faith.Not.Fear
September 10th, 2009 @ 7:50 pm

m2theh:

I have felt that way sometimes — usually when I’m running late trying to get to the temple and everyone melts down right when I try to leave.

I think Satan wants to distract, dissuade, discourage us from being obedient just as much as Heavenly Father wants to bless us.

Don’t ever give up, though!
Heavenly Father and the Savior won’t give up on us — their arms are outstretched still!
Jill Shelley
September 10th, 2009 @ 8:14 pm

If we had good days when we prayed and bad days when we don’t…and if we had good days when we read the scriptures and bad days when we don’t…this life wouldn’t be much of a test would it? It’s all part of the plan. He wants us to trust in Him and the blessings will follow. I believe it’s a life long learning process.
angie f
September 10th, 2009 @ 10:01 pm

I agree with the posters who suggest that the definition of “better” is subjective. But something I also like to think about is that maybe if I hadn’t done those good obedient things on those days that went all to hell, then perhaps things would have been even WORSE. I also agree with the notion that obedience requires faith in the long term results–it wouldn’t require faith from us if the results were immedient and easily interpreted. Ultimately, the only thing that helps me in all of this is the knowledge that the only thing that is truly mine that I have to give the Lord is my will, my agency. When I give Him my agency, and learn to want what He wants, things are better, not because they are easier (Satan never likes this turn of events, does he?) but because I am refined, little by little.

As for the work of exact obedience, the Lord asks us to test Him. Try His word. We know that each blessing comes attached to a law. Find the law; find the blessing; for example–payment of tithes will open the windows of heaven. . . (Mal 3:10-12) The knowledge you have that God tells the truth is the most powerful part of all of this. Bless you for a provocative post.
Katie
September 10th, 2009 @ 10:19 pm

My life is definitely better when I’m doing the work I’m “supposed to.” However, sometimes I get into the trap of thinking that it only really counts if I do everything perfect. So, even though I read my scriptures today I might feel like I failed because I didn’t read for 15 minutes and I didn’t gain any deep insights. Or, I might feel like I failed because I prayed today but I forgot yesterday and the day before. Once I realized that God is pleased with every success, no matter how small, I’ve felt a whole lot better about what I am able to do. This more forgiving attitude also helps me really focus on the benefits I am getting from my efforts, instead of just thinking how I’m not doing good enough, and the more I think about the benefits the more I want to improve!
Karen
September 10th, 2009 @ 10:53 pm

Frances, I needed this post today. I wonder the same thing often.
I love Liz C. and Angie’s comments. Our lives are better in the long run. There may be things that are actually more difficult on a day to day basis because we try to be obedient, but the blessings we need will be provided little by little in the end.
Zina
September 10th, 2009 @ 11:24 pm

I love all these comments, and especially the scripture that Faith.Not.Fear quoted. Thanks for asking the question that started such a great discussion.

Katie’s response (comment #20) reminded me of a time when we were driving to the temple and I was doing a little internal worthiness assessment, and feeling like I was coming up short. I asked myself, “What’s keeping me from being worthy?” and got the answer, “I don’t attend the temple often enough.” !!!
m&m
September 11th, 2009 @ 1:23 am

Questions like this are hard, imo, for linear brains when God works in infinite dimensions.

One thought I have is that — the things I am ‘supposed’ to do (prayers, scriptures, church, temple, visiting teaching, service, all my family to-dos) are really less about getting some external blessing ‘out there’ but about helping me find and feel God’s love and power right here, right now. Of course, sometimes even those blessings are not immediate, or at least not immediately obvious, but when I think less about doing them out of duty to ‘earn’ something and more about connecting to heaven and feeling the love of my Father, that changes how I see and approach the gospel ‘to-dos.’

Note to self.
Kay
September 11th, 2009 @ 1:27 am

I know that I really do notice the difference when I am trying harder to do what is asked of us. Particularly in the area of scripture study, I feel more at peace and able to cope when I am reading on a daily basis.

My feeling about things going wrong even when I am trying so hard is that life is like that, particularly with Satan around. He notices that I am working hard to do what is right. This does not make him happy. he does not want me to be blessed. He does not want me to feel the benefits of the gospel. So he ups the stakes. He and his minions try on a daily basis to become my opponents in righteousness. They want me to stumble and give up. They want my life to be a struggle. Their aim is to stop me doing whatever I am that will help me progress. They want me to wonder if all I am doing is worth it. In some ways I almost expect a tough week if I am planning a days travel to the temple, opposition is there against the good.

Blessings are there for serving Heavenly Father, we just don’t always recognise them at the time. As someones said earlier, rewards are often not instant either.
traci
September 11th, 2009 @ 6:46 am

Wow what a meaty topic – she says as a vegetarian.

I have had a habit of Devotions with prayer and reading for over 25 years. I had a schedule as far as what i did each day, not time wise. Often this also included journaling. This is not a bad thing.

But recently I thot – am i a slave to the routine. If i miss a day, and it is shot, then am i depending more on the routine, than a relationship with the Lord. Hard question and not one i really wanted to ask. Sometimes it can become too rote, is the idea.

So for a time of about a month i dropped the previous routine and instead focused on personal prayer only, sharing each day, without reading, with the Father. It felt funny at 1st. Like i was missing something and like i was doing something wrong. But in time i started to share more and more with the Father. I proved my point, and came out renewed. Now i am back to my devotions and sharing with the Father. Sometimes it is too easy for me to do the right stuff and miss communicating with the Lord, and not even realizing it.

And i agree better is subjective. Christ did all the right things and it was not looking better there for a time. I have to remind myself of that often. To look deeper than just what i want.

thanks for the post and the comments are great!
Selwyn
September 11th, 2009 @ 7:31 am

About 10 days ago I started studying the scriptures every day. Again. And the past 10 days have been really, REALLY difficult.

I don’t know the answers, but I have faith that the answer is faith. Some days I don’t see what I am getting out of it, how it is for my “good”, some days I do see the point/benefit.

Mostly I trust that He knows what He’s talking about, and think maybe it’s like varnish – one layer doesn’t look like much, but over time it all adds up. Unfortunately I appreciate instant gratification much more than long-term promises, but I’m still working for the future, in faith.
HeidiAnn
September 11th, 2009 @ 8:01 am

I guess this is where the faith comes in-you DON’T always know how your life is better because of obedience. I guess when you have a rotten day even though you prayed, you could say, “Boy I’m sure glad I prayed-I’d hate to think that rotten day could’ve been even worse than it was!” I think sometimes we get the wrong impression that “OBEDIENCE” = “BETTER” life = “EASIER” life. Of course sometimes that is the case, but not always. I’m afraid I’m even guilty of giving that impression to the young women I serve too, and I need to do better with that. I think it’s more like obedience leads to a better life, even when life is hard. Heavenly Father knows the end from the beginning, but we don’t. Reading scriptures, prayer, church, temple, etc. help me deal with the not knowing.
Karyn
September 11th, 2009 @ 8:01 am

I’ve been thinking about this post since I read it yesterday. Last night, after several days of marital difficulty, I asked my dad for a father’s blessing. In our conversation before the blessing, he mentioned D&C 82 where the Lord is bound when we do His will. That’s pretty amazing actually- if we do the Lord’s will He has promised to bless us. Now, granted, those blessings might not be exactly what we’d like, but they’ll definitely be what we need. It’s easy for me to get caught up in just handling things myself; it’s nice to know that if I’ll trust the Lord and do His will, I can rely on His promise to bless me.
jendoop
September 11th, 2009 @ 8:23 am

I didn’t quite catch the post, maybe I’m slow this morning. Then I read traci’s comment and that’s what was missing for me. Our relationship with God and our Savior is a whole, not just doing things to get what we want. The gospel is a complete plan of truth and happiness that answers most, if not all, of my questions about life. It’s not only about if my life is better when I do what God asks.

“The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.

“The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along.

“The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?

“The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I’ll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow’r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev’ry hour.

“The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in his sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.
With Saints and with angels his praises I’ll sing”
-The Lord is My Light, James Nicholson

But really, is my life better with the gospel? Yes. Suicide would have been too real an option decades ago if not for my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Merry Michelle
September 11th, 2009 @ 9:43 am

I agree with Dovie in comment #2. I don’t think life gets any easier per say, but I do feel that when I do the little things consistently I am stronger, more powerful and more resistant to evil. Remember how the powers of hell had no power over Moroni because of his righteousness, obedience and faith? That’s how I want to be.

“There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that CAUSES things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things. Few men posses it. It comes by gradual growth. It is a marvelous, even a transcendent power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Directed and channeled, it has great effect.”
–President Boyd K. Packer
Catania
September 11th, 2009 @ 12:36 pm

This is an interesting post. We all have times like these – where we question the purpose of doing the simple, “standard mormon answers” of prayer, scripture reading, and church attendance. This is why I think that Paul’s analogy of life being like a long-distance race is so apt.

I’m a runner, and in the past have run long distance races – like marathons, etc. They require so much time. They require discipline, diligence, patience, and work. You have to run every day. The ability to endure mileage takes time – a long time. You can’t expect to just go out and run. You can’t run ten miles and expect that next week you’ll be able to run 26.2. You have to keep training, slowly and steadily.
However, finally, you’re at the race, and you’re running, and all of the work you’ve put in finally makes sense. You’re able to finish the race, and you’re happy. (despite the pain, or maybe because of it – overcoming such a physical feat is hard to describe).

I think that the gospel is the same way – it is cumulative. We read our scriptures and pray every day so we can get closer to God – so we can commune with him; so we can open our hearts to His spirit – so we can build the spiritual strenght that is required in our great endurance race.

Anyways – Thanks for the provocative post.
faithful
September 11th, 2009 @ 8:38 pm

It is about having a relationship with our Father. I found the key for me is to do these things with a willing heart, not something that I have to do but something I want to do more than anything else I my have to do for the day, I love this time to be with him; if I have to get up at 4am. In order to have sufficient time with him I am willing to do that. It is also about feeding your spirit and having the companionship of the Holy Ghost; if I have that, for me it really doesn’t matter what challenges the day may bring, everything works out if the spirit is there; and I find it helps keep the challenges in perspective and also sometimes the eternal worth to Heavenly Father those creating the challenges. I would also add one more very powerful thing; that is regular temple attendance (If there is one close to you, and are able to go.) Prayer, Scripture study, and regular Temple attendance are very powerful; God is there in each of these.
Ashlee
September 11th, 2009 @ 9:32 pm

I think the sentiment of most commenters is the same:
it should be more about the “becoming” than the “doing”. That the results cannot yet be measured… because it’s always a process. (Do I hear a Miley Cyrus song in the background?

But I guess the hope is that the doing, even when it’s hard or tedious, will aide our becoming?

It is refreshing to ask questions without getting the frownsmile Go ahead and ask it. We all have. Just maybe not out loud!
Krista
September 11th, 2009 @ 9:55 pm

There are sudden storms in life, or quiet distractions, frustrations that might lead us to self-doubt, transgression, or despair. Why would we not listen to the whisperings, or the earnest warnings, as we live on this earth, as we raise children, among such evil influences, and hold tight to the guidance that is offered us by the Holy Ghost? So that we might return to the arms of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, to meet in the mansions prepared for us, to hold our families, kiss our loved ones, our children?
The need for this great gift has been manifested to me many times . Every time I have listened and followed, I know I did not walk alone. We are not alone. The influence of the Holy Ghost is compared to feeling the warm rays and energy of the sun. His power can be felt everywhere, although he is one personage. We can feel his influence wherever we are. We can find affirmation that this Gospel is not mysterious or confusing, but full of simple truths that make sense of the often confusing world around us. If we allow it, if we seek righteousness, the Holy Ghost will have truth unfold around us, and give us patience for the things we do not yet need to know. Why would we not seek after such a force? Why would we not live, so that we could have that great advantage in our lives here on earth? Whether it is concrete or not?