Doctrine and Covenants 61:20-22 -- On Anger and Apathy

"I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but today mine anger is turned away.
Wherefore, let those concerning whom I have spoken, that should take their journey in haste--again I say unto you, let them take their journey in haste.
And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go by water or by land; let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments hereafter."
Doctrine and Covenants 61:20-22


I like the first statement here that the Lord was angry, but his anger is turned away. That seems to happen to us typically with people that we care about... we can't stay mad at them very long, because we still care and are concerned for their welfare. I like that reassurance that God loves us, despite our mistakes, and is willing to forgive us.

I also really like the "it mattereth not unto me" part. Because God is powerful and has rules, sometimes we think he is trying to control every part of our lives, but he often really doesn't care/want to intervene as far as what we want to do with our lives... he is willing to support us in whatever good thing that we choose, and help us towards our righteous desires. I like this reminder that God wants us to have our freedom to choose the path of our lives and where our interests lie, the exact methods we take to get there aren't a big deal, as long as we are being good. Who we are and want to be is still up to us, but whatever way we go, calling upon the Lord can help us. And the Lord does care about us as far as helping us every moment... he wants us to look unto him in every thought. It is more like a child. Mom and Dad don't care what Johnny grows up to be, as long as he makes good choices and is well and happy... they want him to be successful in whatever he chooses to do rather than forcing their own choice upon him. God cares, he just leaves those choices to us, counseling us instead on things that will interfere with our eternal happiness.

Today, let's move forward, trusting in our forgiving and loving God who is there to support and guide when needed, but also to encourage our freedom of choice and to rejoice in our efforts towards good works. Let's remember that what sometimes looks like anger and apathy from God is really deep and profound love from our Father, as he forgives and supports us in our efforts to improve and choose righteously.