Strength of the Lord

We talked a bit last night about a one of the recurring and significant doctrinal teachings of the Book of Mormon, "the Strength of the Lord." In Mormon 2:26 we learn the tragedy of the Nephites in their decline "nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren."

Earlier in the Book of Mormon we read about Ammon who understood the weakness of man as opposed to the strength of the Lord. He said "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things" (Alma 26:12). Lamoni recognized Ammon had a source of strength beyond that of other men whe he commented "I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things" (Alma 20:4).

How can we be assured that we are more like Ammon, or Mormon--the stalwart but lonely prophet/leader, and not at all like the Nephites in their prideful weakness?

What are some specific things you and I can do to encourage the Lord's strength to qualify, direct, enhance, inspire, and help us to do the mighty things He has placed us here to do?

A story might help illustrate. Some time ago, after some health problems that made my friend feel 20 years older than her fifty-five years, she set out on a course to do all in her power to encourage good health. The Lord saw her earnest efforts and saw fit to bless her to not only a return to health, but an improvement from where she had been for a few years. In the months since that time she said she has often prayed in gratitude for her good health, and promised that she would use her gifts, including her health, to work side by side with her husband in serving missions, their family, community and ward, etc. One day, after just such a prayer, and feeling especially healthy, she was working vigorously in her yard. The still small voice said something to her that stopped her in her compost-laden tracks. "Since you have such God-given health, why not serve someone today? Why not go weed Janine's garden?" This time, she listened and acted. She loaded her tools in the car and drove to Janine's house.

God grants us His strength and blessings not just for our own pleasure, protection, or purposes, but for the benefit of His children who people this planet. When we say "In the strength of the Lord I can do all things" we are not just referring to our own interests (which is the beginning of division and pride). Instead, we need to be as interested in the welfare of our next door neighbor, or even our supposed enemies. Thus, the Spirit of the Lord will abide more fully in us and we will be strong.

From time to time our resolve to "not be as other men" will be tested, as will our gratitude for the daily dose of "the Lord's Strength" He freely gives us.