If the problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it.

If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good.

We had this phrase everywhere in our house growing up, and I remember a copy of it always being on our fridge.

I have thought about this quote a lot.

To me, it’s the most beautiful and practical way to say, “Don’t worry”.

If the problem can be solved, get to work and do what you can.

And then give the rest to God.

And if it can’t be solved?

Give it all to God anyway, too.

I’ve been grateful for the peace and perspective this saying has brought into my heart.

When I couldn’t find a job right out of college.

When we bought a house.

When my little baby boy received an unexpected diagnosis.

My mind wanted to go into full-on panic mode. But I was able to pretty quickly turn to prayer and get rid of that worry for the unknowns of the future.

I’ll humbly but candidly admit that this is an area that has proved easier for me.

In a world filled with anxiety about the never ending problems of tomorrow, I’ve been able to find peace today and give the rest to God.

Not giving up my pursuits to solve what I can, but also not letting them overgrow my life.

And I think that’s what the Lord would want, too. To have a little less worry and a lot more faith and trust.

In D&C 84:84, the Lord advised the saints, especially those heading out on missions with no living arrangements, mission president, or even established congregations:

“Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.”

Tomorrow, we will handle the things that need to be handled tomorrow.

Plan what you can, prepare what you can, problem-solve however you can, and then give the rest to God.

Because either way, worrying will do no good.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Worrying will do no good first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I’ve had a lot of you message me some really difficult things you are having to deal with.

Lost jobs. Scarcity of supplies for young moms. Cancelled trips. Cancelled graduations and performances. Reduced income. Health concerns. Huge unknowns.

Jacob preaches in our Come Follow Me study from this week about how the Spirit speaks of things as they REALLY are.

Isn’t that interesting?

Because we usually associate the Spirit with bringing “happy” emotions.

But if things in your life aren’t really “happy” right now, then that’s not his job at the moment.

I have been shocked but comforted when the Spirit has told me:

To just be sad.

To be disappointed.

To live in a state of “unknown” and not be comfortable with it.

The Spirit confirms my feelings.

“You’re right, this is sad.”

“This is so disappointing to lose that opportunity.”

“Things are about to get really complicated.”

But my favorite part about the Spirit is that he doesn’t just stop with telling us things as they really are.

He also tells us things as they REALLY will be.

He reminds us that the outcome has already been determined.

Christ wins.

And there is peace to be found through him and his example.

So dwell in whatever emotion you are in right now. Pour your soul out to Heavenly Father and let Him send His Holy Spirit to confirm the confusing state we are in right now.

But then allow him to show you how things will be in the future. No matter how long it takes to get there.

There is peace in Christ. 

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post A world of uncertainty first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

In the back of my mind, I always have the list of things I should be working on: More meaningful prayers, better temple worship, better at fulfilling my calling, ministering more often and with pure intent…

But then something will start to become more pressing in the front of my mind. Recently, it’s been my temple attendance.

It’s not that I choose to focus on this one thing, it just naturally starts to seem more important and I have a greater desire to improve.

It’s also not a bold, one-time prompting. It happens like the light from a sunrise. I just gradually feel that this one thing is what I should focus on right now.

For me, eventually it builds so much that I can’t possibly ignore it. I feel so strongly to take action.

And most of the time, I do.

Jacob is addressing the Nephites. It is clear that he has spoken to them often and been a great spiritual leader.

He is always concerned with speaking to them about what they need to hear, of course!

But he describes this unique weight that has been pressing him to speak more boldly about their specific trials.

It doesn’t sound like Jacob woke up that morning, received a prompting to speak in these heavy topics, and went off to the temple to preach.

Instead, I feel like he describes what I feel so often. Out of all the things that we can do, one thing slowly starts to stand out from the rest. And it builds and grows until we feel pressed with great solemnity to take action.

We feel that strong desire to finally have that conversation with our spouse. To call up that friend. To volunteer. To eliminate the sin or bad habit.

Jacob’s experience is a gentle reminder that we can work on being better at taking action earlier on in that process.

But also a tender but powerful reminder that God will help us to receive the personal revelation we need to work on NOW.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post More desire and anxiety first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.