Turn to the Lord for help

Dear friend

There will be times in all of our lives when we really need divine help. It will be that special kind of help that only God can provide. Our need may be due to sin, sorrow, pressure or pain. The good news is that He will help us find the respite of repentance, or the comfort of consolation, the relief of reinforcement, or the blessing of a balm. In this regard I love these words from the Old Testament, Joel 2:12, 13.

12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

What is there to learn from these wonderful verses about receiving God's help when we really need it? Firstly we should do it "now". The sooner we seek Him the sooner He can fix us. Second, when we do decide to turn to Him, do it "with all your heart". No half measures, no lingering desires for the wrong things, no presumption that you are too far gone, no doubts about either His power or your capacity for faith. Put your whole heart into becoming whole again. But be prepared because that may take fasting, or tears, or sorrow like mourning.

Rather than an outward show of emotional turmoil such as the ancient practice of rending (or tearing) your clothes in a public display, the Lord would much prefer it if our hearts are rent. I see this as being connected to the need for a broken heart and contrite spirit as we turn to Him for help beyond ourselves. Then comes the assurance, and what a promise it is: infinite and perfect grace, mercy, patience and kindness. The knowledge of this promise alone can begin to bring the peace and rest we seek. It is the light at the end of the tunnel.

I really do hope and pray that we avail ourselves of the saving powers of Jesus Christ. He is all mighty and all loving. Trust Him.

Samuel.

In the valley of decision

Dear friend

Not too much is known about the Prophet Joel. There is even uncertainty about when he lived. But he is quoted by Peter, Moroni and is likely a reference point in Revelations. His writing coincides with a time of severe drought in the land.

Joel's main theme is the era of the last days prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a time when there will be a "drought of joy" among mankind, but also a great outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. These conditions mean that in terms of the battle for the souls of men "the harvest is ripe"; while the Lord sits to plead and to judge. These are our days being described in ancient scripture.

Joel refers to a place, the valley of Jehoshaphat, as the site of a massive international gathering. Then he gives the valley an alternative, characterised name that is worth considering. It comes from the Old Testament, Joel 3:14.

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.

What a great image. The peoples of the wicked world are brought together in the "valley of decision". The thought can easily be extended. The people of the world must decide where they stand; on the right or the left, on the Lord's side or somewhere else.

It always, always comes down to a decision. Do we choose the right, or another way? Do we allow Jesus Christ to be our Guide, or do we follow another course. These choices are so significant. They set the direction for our lives.

In our day the Prophet Thomas S Monson has said, "decisions determine destiny". How concise yet precise is this doctrine. There is always that critical moment of choice. There is always an unavoidable consequence. We surely need inspired men on earth now to guide us in our decisions so that they bring us to Christ.

I hope that in our own valleys of decision we will make the right choices. I pray that our preferred choice of destiny will, in reverse, determine our decisions.

Samuel.