What to do when things are not going well

WHAT TO DO IN THE MIDDLE OF AN UNFRIENDLY SWAMP SURROUNDED BY FOG

During our lifetime we are encounter many difficult situations – it is part of the human learning experience while on this earth. Sometimes it may seem like we are in the middle of a swamp during a heavy fog and have run into alligators and/or quick sand.  –   - In those situations, it is not unusual to feel desperately alone, panicked,  let down, and feel all is lost  - what’s the use.

 The key issues are:

            1.  How do we personally handle those situations?

            2.  How do we navigate and keep our bearings to make sure we are pointed in the                         right direction?   

            3.  What do we learn from those situations that will benefit us?

To survive, thrive & achieve ultimate success we must apply several  basic principles.

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We must understand and act upon the following:

1. We know that we are never truly all alone. We know as a result of the atonement of Jesus Christ, if we keep our covenants, we have the opportunity to receive directions via the Holy Ghost to guide us along the path to eternal life. See: Doctrine & Covenants 121:46 “The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.” Keeping good communication with the Holy Ghost is a matter of our choice – agency.

2, “….., for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up”. Doctrine & Covenants 84:88

3. With the knowledge we have available to us through Jesus Christ, and the Gospel, , - we know that the end no matter what the immediate situation looks like - is worth it. –  we must keep our “perspective”  - In these situations faith means “Keep holding on a little bit longer”

4. The course of action is clear: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2Nephi 31:20

5.  When we are in the middle of an unfriendly swap surrounded by fog, we are totally dependent upon our navigation instruments – The Holy Ghost and the “Rod of Iron” (Word of God/Gospel of Jesus Christ).  KEY QUESTION: How do we keep our “navigation instruments” in top working order?

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The point: when in our human experiences we are in danger in the middle of a foggy swamp – we must keep our focus - that we truly are not alone for God is with us – never alone – He will direct us - hold on to the rod of iron and strive to move forward.