Praise God in Affliction | 1 Nephi 18:16

Affliction and trials are the only way to grow and become purified and refined in this life. Cursing God for them accomplishes nothing, rather looking to Him and praising Him without complaint will bring down the blessings of heaven.

Just as the Atonement covers more than sin, so too does mercy cover more than sin. Christ took upon Himself the pain and suffering of all mankind, thus providing mercy from that pain and suffering. I believe that justice and mercy applies just as much in this situation.  Justice says, "You must triumph over the trials of this life by walking through the furnace of affliction in order to prove that you are fit for the kingdom of God." Whereas, Christ says, "I will lift you up and walk with you through your trials and afflictions and I will pour down my tender mercies upon you." Thus, the counterweight for trials and afflictions are God's tender mercies or blessings. Just as living up to the law of justice without mercy is impossible, so too is living up to the law of affliction without mercy is impossible.

Sometimes, I find myself too busy drowning in afflictions to be able to notice the plethora of tender mercies all around me. How can I praise God if I am not recognizing His hand in my life? The Israelites were symbolically told to look to Christ and live. Nephi says, "I did look unto my God." Both sin and affliction can be overcome by looking to God. Turning towards Christ opens the eyes towards the countless tender mercies that are ever before them. It also opens the mouth to call down additional blessings.

I have started a new Tender Mercies journal to help me recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Each night at bedtime, I try to think back over my day and pick out the tender mercies I have received that day. Sometimes they are huge and undeniable mercies given in answer to prayer, but most times for me, it is small and simple ways—almost imperceptible. The family can also benefit from this by making it a family tradition to discuss tender mercies at dinner or scripture time. Praises and gratitude can only come when actively seeing the Lord's hand.