~Trapped in a Temporal World
My soul cries out at the wretched man that I am. Forgetful of the realm from that which I’ve descended. How easily I fall prey to the trappings of this reality I find myself in. The subtle ways of the Adversary play on my carnal being. I find myself beset with sin all around me and have guilt upon guilt because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about by mine enemies and my heart mourns because of my weakness that leads to sin.
Nevertheless I know that source which gives me strength. The rock of my salvation in whom I trust. My God has been my strength, and has lifted me when I have fallen, His Arm, yeah His loving Arm have I felt around me and has washed away my weakness and doubt in an instant. How glorious the measure of His love towards me and all of His children. He has never given up on me and has wept as He watched me struggle. I can feel His pride and love as I pick myself up and start anew.
He has led me through darkness and been with me in the wilderness. He has cleared the way when I have been at my weakest and protected me when I had not cared to stand. He has filled me with His Love which burns as a sweet nectar to my soul…I long to cling to those moments with every fiber of my being. How patient and understanding My Lord is, and how supportive in allowing me to find my own paths back to Him.
Behold He has heard my pleading by day and my prayers by night. He knows that which I most desperately desire and has guided me along my journey. The lessons I have had to learn could not be taught by any other means. I know He Loves me and has listened as I waxed bold in mighty prayer. My hearts desire He knows well and has protected me as I stumbled in getting to where I am now. He has carried me away on the wings of His spirit as I needed time to recover from my temporal battles.
Why am I angry at my afflictions? Why do I yield to temptations? Awake my soul and rejoice because of my God, give no place or quarter to the enemy of my soul. Let the Evil One wander elsewhere to tempt and afflict. I shall cry unto my Lord and rejoice; yeah I shall praise Him forever. May I shake at the very appearance of sin, Lord deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies. Lord may I praise and worship thee all the remaining days of my life, to walk in righteousness and be strict in honoring thy commandments. May the gates of Hell be closed before me for I am Thine and Thou has spared me for a greater good, may You encircle me in the Flames of righteousness and be with me as I walk on the paths that lead to Eternal Life and Celestial Glory.
Lord I have work to do in building up Thy Kingdom, wilt thou now hedge up the paths mine enemies and make clear my way? I have trusted in Thee and will trust in Thee forever. I shall curse the arm of the flesh and listen to the whispering of Thy Spirit in leading me to my brothers and sisters who are lost and stumbling. Wilt Thou assist me in such a great endeavor? Place within my Heart and Mind the words which shall ring true to their ears…That they are loved beyond measure by He whose Love is without measure. Yeah I know that God gives liberally to They that ask in faith and humble heart. Therefore I ask Thee Lord to assist me and continue to walk beside me as I strive to do Thy will. May the Glory be Thine forever and that I may find place to sup in Thy Kingdom which has no end. Amen.
~Leland Vance
This was inspired after reading 2nd Nephi 17...I feel a strong connection with Nephi and a bit of comfort knowing that as great a man and Prophet he struggled as we do. It gives those of us that can relate hope that we can be remembered for great things when we pass in this life.
ReplyDelete