They had no swords.
No weapons.
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies were walking out onto the battlefield completely defenseless, knowing what was inevitably coming.
And what did they do as they walked to almost-certain death?
They began to praise God.
“The Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from the sword. . . but that they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword.” (Alma 24:23)
They praised God even in the very act of perishing.
Even as they anticipated death, their hearts were still communing with God in gladness and peace.
What an impressive but important feat–
To be able to praise God at all times completely independent of what we are going through.
To praise God even when life is falling apart.
To praise God even when we have hit our emotional limit.
To praise God even when we are frustrated.
Why does this matter?
Why would this be a goal for us— to be able to praise God at all times?
Most importantly, God deserves all the praise because of who He is.
The more I learn about God, the more I naturally praise Him and His Goodness.
I’ve also learned that praising and worshiping can be for our benefit.
Pondering about the goodness of God, feeling gratitude for Him, and being filled with reverence and joy ultimately brings us peace, joy, and happiness completely independent of what we are enduring.
We too can do as these brave soldiers did long ago and choose to praise God at all times, even if we are in the very act of perishing.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
“What an impressive but important feat–
To be able to praise God at all times completely independent of what we are going through.”
I’ve always been impressed with their courage and faith, but THIS sentence really took it up a notch!
And, made a good goal for me to work on.
_________________________
“God deserves all the praise because of who He is. The more I learn about God, the more I naturally praise Him and His Goodness.
I’ve also learned that praising and worshiping can be for our benefit. Pondering about the goodness of God, feeling gratitude for Him, and being filled with reverence and joy ultimately brings us peace, joy, and happiness completely independent of what we are enduring.”
I am old. I am in that fun stage of life where “enduring to the end” takes on new meaning. Seeking peace, joy and happiness are pretty essential. When someone can’t physically do the things that do this, isn’t a blessing that daily, sincere praise and gratitude can?
As always, thanks.
I love this, thank you for sharing your thoughts! <3