Mosiah 4:9 -- On God

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."
Mosiah 4:9


These are some important fundamentals that help us understand who God is, so that we can have faith in him. ... Also, I think this helps us with a little humility as well, when we really understand how vast God's accomplishments are, and understand just what being a God means. He's so far beyond us it's unimaginable. We just can't capture all of that in our brains or understand things like "worlds without number" ... And the fact that he is our father and really that a being on that level would reach out to help us... it's crazy and amazing. Let's take advantage of our good fortune and get to know God better, and learn from him and follow his instructions, so that we can have the better life that he promises.

Psalms 61:2 -- On Help for Hearts

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
Psalms 61:2


I love the idea and the poetry here. When our hearts are overwhelmed, God is always there to help, helping us to higher ground and solidity when things seem unsafe and unstable. There is no one he cannot help, no matter the difficulty, although of course his salvation does not always take the form that we imagine.

Even though sometimes it is hard to ask for, and accept, help, I think it is also comforting to know that there is always help there, just a prayer away, from someone who knows more than we do and who has the ability, and desire, to help. Today, let's remember that we have backup, always, from someone who loves us, and who can help us to that higher rock, to escape the floods that surround us both mentally and physically.

Proverbs 5:22-23 -- On the Cords of Sin

"His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray."
Proverbs 5:22-23


I think this is one of the saddest parts of sin, because it is like killing ourselves... cutting ourselves off from the things that really matter, and the things that could help us, like instruction from God. It always reminds me of Jacob Marley coming to visit Scrooge, and warning him. Today, let's open our closed hearts and listen and learn from God. If we can hear him, he can do the miracle of saving us from our own folly.

Romans 4:7 -- On Forgiveness and Change

"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."
Romans 4:7


I like the idea here that, in God, we can repent of our sins and have them "covered" by Christ's atonement. There is significantly no other option here for perfection. No one in mortality is perfect, and God knows that... but he teaches us what to do about it, and how to change for the better.

Today, let's learn and grow and listen to God, who shows us the way, and who is willing to cover our sins as we change and improve. He doesn't see us as our past selves or hold our sins against us. Instead, he is overjoyed with us when we do well, and helps us learn when we run into obstacles and weaknesses.

1 Corinthians 6:19 -- On Bodies and Ownership

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
1 Corinthians 6:19


The ideas here are interesting. First that our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost, and then also that we aren't our own... presumably because the Holy Ghost is from God, but also because our bodies are from God, we were created by God... choosing to harm our bodies is a sin against God, because on some level we are his already, and also, as it says in the next verse, we are "bought with a price."

Christ saves us, and we owe him everything. So on many levels, we are not our own, and I think that is actually a good thing, because God values us more than we value ourselves, and he will take care of us, and work to preserve our unique selves better than we ever could. We aren't slaves, but rather in a covenant relationship where God saves us, and we promise to use that saved life for a good purpose, and to live it well. We're working God's plan of happiness, thankful for our lives and trying to help others, and rejecting that immense gift of life is short-sighted. Not that life isn't painful sometimes, but imagining that the pain is permanent and God can't overcome it or heal it... that's the short-sighted part, because he will heal us all as we come to him.

4 Nephi 1:3 -- On Freedom And Gifts

"And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift."
4 Nephi 1:3


It's interesting that as the people were united in their shared ownership that they gained freedom, and ccess to gifts from God. Perhaps because God is all about uniting us and helping us to be happy, and this got them closer to that ideal.
I really don't know how the whole thing would work, but I love the idea of a unified society where this is possible, and I want the opportunity to learn to be a person that could live in a perfect society like this one, or the City of Enoch.

That's the whole point of the plan, right? To prepare us to return and live, united with God and everyone else in that kind of a perfect society. I don't think I am ready yet, but I hope that I can voluntarily work on it, so I don't have to learn it a harder way, or even worse, be left out to live in a society of people that are like I am now. I want to be better, and God is the way... for all of us. Let's reach out and accept the gifts that God is offering us.

Alma 6:5-6 -- On Praying For Others

"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.
Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God."
Alma 6:5-6


What struck me today about this is that the people were fasting and praying not for the physically poor, but the spiritually poor. And although the physically poor are definitely people that we should help (even if we are poor ourselves, the idea is to share all we have with others), the verse makes an excellent point that those who know not God are people that are also definitely in need of our prayers and efforts on their behalf.

Today, let's work to help the people around us with whatever they are in need of, physically or spiritually. Let's work on not just giving handouts, but true friendship, and sharing the things that will help us all be united in finding salvation and happiness as a community of saints.

Mosiah 26:3-4 -- On Unbelief and Understanding

"And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened."
Mosiah 26:3


The relationship between unbelief and understanding is interesting here. Perhaps that is why we are asked elsewhere in the scriptures to try the experiment, even if we can only desire to believe... because that is the tiny bit of faith that God needs in order to work a miracle in our lives.

Today, let's believe and hope enough that we can get down on our knees and talk to God. If we can get that far, God will help us take it from there. As we draw closer to him, he will be able to teach us more, and help us understand more, so that we can open, and change, our hearts. He lifts us from what we are to what we hope to become.

James 4:1-5 -- On Envy

"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?"
James 4:1-5


I like the idea here that we are at odds with each other because we are full of envy. That seems like a huge thing to overcome, like so many other sins I suppose, but there are some pointers later in this chapter, for instance, humbling ourselves before God, and not speaking evil about one another.

The friendship of the world thing is a little confusing. One interpretation could be that all we need is God, which is fairly accurate, but I don't think it means we can't have other friends. It seems more of a "avoid the values of the world" type thing, which we should be careful of in our society and our choice of friendships, but I feel like the main idea is to put the Lord first, and as long as we are being careful of that, then it's good to have other friends, and to avoid wars and fightings with other people in general. :)

Today, let's work on avoiding envy, and being happy with the blessings that the Lord has poured out upon us. If we need something, let's go to the Lord with our request, and remember that we don't all need the same things. What we have has little to do with happiness, and everything to do with God. :)

Alma 1:29-30 -- On Abundance

"And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need."
Alma 1:29-30


I love the idea of abundance here. These people were overflowing with blessings... rich in the things that they needed, but they were also sharing everything they had with others, recognizing their blessings and being "liberal to all." So the end result was that everyone was rich, and taken care of. That seems to me to be what God is all about, and what he is asking of all of us. It's not only having plenty of physical abundance, but also a mindset... the idea of having plenty to share with everyone.

Today, let's be generous and liberal to all, helping them to be as rich in blessings as we are. Let's be willing to share our abundance from the Lord.

1 Nephi 8:26-27 -- On Being Cool or Chosen

"And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit."
1 Nephi 8:26-27


I think it is important to remember the people in the great and spacious building, because we have to know that it's okay not to be the "cool" people in the way that the world might seem to value things. Dressing up and going to the elite party just to mock others shouldn't be part of the playlist for the children of God, and it is totally okay if we aren't invited.

God's cool, or chosen, people will be the ones that are encouraging people to stay on the path, to experience the joy and love of God and realize that it is better (and cooler) than hanging out in the great and spacious building. Today, let's remember not to mock, and not to worry if we are the object of mockery for following the Lord. Let's instead embrace being God's "peculiar people" (Deuteronomy 14:2, Titus 2:14, etc.).

Abraham 3:24-25 -- On Commandments and Choices

"Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."
Abraham 3:24-25


I like how God explains things to Abraham, walking him through the ideas of creation, pre-existence, and the reason for the earth, explaining to him a little of who he is.

The agreement / covenant that God made with Abraham is the basis for the covenant that we all make with him when we are baptized, and as we continue making covenants with God and progressing through his plan of happiness. Today, let's remember who we are... that we were with God before this earth and that the plan is to return after learning as much as we can and making the best choices we can.

Let's hold on to God's word and follow it, so that we can stay on track to get back to where we came from--a home where we can walk with God and continue to learn from him, as Abraham did.

Romans 4:20-21 -- On Believing and Having Faith in God's Promises

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."
Romans 4:20-21


This is about Abraham and his incredible faith. I think sometimes we get caught up in how impossible things seem to us, but Abraham didn't doubt that God could give him what he promised, as impossible as it seemed. And I feel like that is the way it was (and is) for everyone who gets revelation, even personal revelation.

Today, let's try to believe more than we doubt, and trust God enough to pray and read and learn more... as we progress in trusting and learning, we'll naturally grow in faith because we will be noticing the miracles around us, seeing God's hand in our lives, and gaining more and more faith in his promises.

2 Nephi 27:23 -- On a God of Miracles

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."
2 Nephi 27:23


I love the idea that God is a God of Miracles, and that he continues to be the same God who did all of the amazing things in the scriptures. I think also though, it's important to remember faith, and to really examine our lives. Expect miracles, and we will see them, because God does miracles in our lives every day... but if we are expecting bigger than life miracles, then we might miss the ones that are all around us, for instance when God helps us stay calm in a stressful situation, or softens someone's heart, or leads us to where we need to be.

Today, let's keep our minds and our hearts open to miracles, and see them for what they are. The Lord's hand is there in our lives. Let's take the time to pray and to connect with God so that we can see it... and also feel the love and joy that the father wants to bless us with.

2 Nephi 26:25 -- On Accepting the Lord's Invitation

"Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price."
2 Nephi 26:25


I love the idea of God asking us to come to him. I think sometimes we can start to believe that we've done something so bad that God will reject us. Even if whatever it is seems relatively minor in comparison to others, it's often the imperfection of it that seems like an unbridgable gulf between ourselves and God's expectations for us to be perfect. We get trapped in Satan's lies, thinking that God would cast us away because of our mistakes...

He wouldn't though. Christ literally died in order to save us. God's whole plan is designed to help us. Everything he does is because he loves us and wants us to return to him and find greater happiness. Today, let's cast off the lies that Satan whispers, and pray. God will help us to know that we are loved and valued, and that we can repent and be clean and whole again. Let's accept God's invitation and come unto him.

Psalms 20:7-8 -- On Trust in the Lord

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."
Psalms 20:7-8


Interesting comparison here between chariots and God. :) Like all earthly comparisons to God, they are going to eventually fail, but God never will. And because of our trust in God and his salvation, chariots and all other physical things will be broken and returning to the elements, but God will raise us even from the dead. God is the only source we can turn to with perfect trust. Today, let's remember that and turn to God for help with trust and faith.

Numbers 14:2-3 -- On Backsliding

"And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?"
Numbers 14:2-3


The children of Israel here decide to go back to Egypt into captivity rather than entering the promised land. It seems crazy, but they were scared of their new lives, which were challenging. And honestly, I think that this is something that we do as well. We get into a tight spot or are faced with some new scary thing, and we cringe away, wanting the familiarity of the old, even if it was bad, rather than the new, because it seems uncertain and we are frightened.

Today, let's take a lesson from the children of Israel (and Lot's wife while we're at it) and remember that God is forging us a new path, and a new and better life, and if we follow him into it, it will work out. It doesn't always feel that way at first, but that's what hope and faith is about... trusting God's promise and sticking it out. When we get to those uncertain and scary moments, let's pray to the Lord and move forward rather than deciding to turn back.

Proverbs 1:23 -- On Turning

"Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."
Proverbs 1:23


This proverb is explaining what happens when we do and don't listen to the Lord and do as he asks, and I liked this verse because it is like a miniature version of the overall message, which is basically, do as I ask, improve your lives when I warn you. If I say you are going off the path, get back on it. And then, if you do, then you will have the Spirit and understand the word of God.

Pretty cool promises. Of course, "wisdom" is symbolically speaking here, but still the Lord's message. Today, let's take heed, and turn at the Lord's wise reproof. Let's take his warnings seriously and, with his help, change our lives for the better and become truer, firmer followers of him, knowing that in his strength we can do all things.

Joshua 6:20 -- On The Lord Fighting Our Battles

"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
Joshua 6:20


Taking the city of Jericho was impressive, and a reminder from God that he was with Joshua, and that he would fight Israel's battles.

I think that we can have similar miracles in our lives. Perhaps they aren't always this externally dramatic, but when the Lord helps us overcome our own bad habits or sins, that is equally miraculous.

Today, let's remember that if we do as the Lord asks, and counsel with him in all that we do, that the Lord will be with us, and fight our battles... he can help us do things and solve problems that we would just not have the capacity to do alone. Let's trust in him, today and always.

Alma 6:5 -- On the Privilege of Worship

"Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God."
Alma 6:5


I like the idea that meeting together to hear the word of God is a privilege. It's a good reminder of how blessed we are to have the gospel in our lives, and to have the opportunity to gather with others and talk about God, and just the awesomeness of knowing God and his ways. Everything is better with Him.

Today, let's thank God for our blessings, and if things aren't going great, let's pray even harder and trust that God will deliver us in his own time as we are patient and faithful. With God's help, we can face whatever comes, with hope, because he knows us, and is always there to help. :)

Alma 5:26 -- On Singing The Song of Redeeming Love

"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?"
Alma 5:26


I never really thought of singing an actual song until today, but when that thought hit, it seemed appropriate. If there was just a song you could sing every day to stay close to God, then that's something we could all do... maybe some would have to sing in sign language, but that's totally okay, and others might not like their voices, but that's okay too. We'd all get better and better as we practiced more, and expressed ourselves to God.

And I think that we can do that on some level. Maybe it isn't a specific song that is referred to here, but the same idea can work through other hymns, through prayer, through reading our scriptures and feasting upon God's word. The idea is to rejoice in the love of the Lord, and welcome him into our lives, grateful for his help. We can express that through song, but also in so many other ways... and we can do it every day.

Today, let's find a song to sing to God, or any other way to express our gratitude and joy in all that God offers us. As we do, we *will* be able to "feel so now" and retain that mighty change of heart in our lives. :)

Ruth 2:10-12 -- On Belonging and Trust in God

"Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."
Ruth 2:10-12


I like the idea here that God accepts those who trust in him, whoever they are. It's easy to feel like an outsider, even when we know we are where the Lord wants us to be. This is a good reminder that God invites us in, and also that we should love and accept those we might see as strangers, because no one is a stranger to God. We are all his children.

Today, let's remember that we belong in God's kingdom, and also let's work on welcoming everyone else, because we all belong here.

Jacob 3:2 -- On Firmness of Mind

"O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."
Jacob 3:2


The whole idea of feasting on God's love is an awesome and compelling thought... that sense of completeness and pure love that we sometimes catch a taste of, to feel it all the time. I mean, I think that is a lot of what heaven is about. I sometimes wonder about the firm mind part. I feel more wishy-washy than that sometimes.

I think though that the general idea isn't about our weaknesses, but rather our focus--keeping our focus firmly on the Lord. The whole "Think Celestial" idea. If we work on that, then whatever the external circumstances of our lives, we can internally be feeling the Spirit of the Lord, and staying in contact with him, and feeling his love for us.

It isn't something that happens overnight, so let's not beat ourselves up if we aren't consistet at first. It takes time, and mindfulness, and lots of practice. As we work at it though, we'll notice a difference, and our lives will get better, and we'll be more sensitive to the Spirit and able to tell more clearly what God wants us to know. A good thing to work on today. :)

Psalms 13:6 -- On Dealing Bountifully

"I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."
Psalms 13:6


I love this idea of dealing bountifully, and that that is the way the Lord deals with us. I know it doesn't always feel like it, but the Lord does shower down blessings upon us in a generous way. We miss it sometimes because we are hyper focused on something that is wrong, or distracted by other things, but when we have our good spiritual glasses on, the picture is clear. :)

Today, let's tap into God's Spirit and look around us with discerning eyes, and notice the ways that the Lord is dealing bountifully with us. And as we see it, let's thank the Lord for his love and goodness in our lives. He is amazing to us, and deserves some love. :)

Psalms 5:11 -- On Joy in Christ

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."
Psalms 5:11


I love the idea of finding joy in Christ. I think we forget sometimes the happiness factor in the plan of happiness. Joy is available to us through Christ. Let's tap into that through prayer and study.

1 Peter 3:8-9 -- On Blessing and Doing Good

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
1 Peter 3:8-9


I love this. I think that we get into the world too much sometimes and this starts to seem naive or fake or whatever, but what it is is truly good. Treating people well, and live we would want to be treated *regardless* of how they treat us. We can love whether or not we are loved in return. After all, isn't that how God loves? Let's tap into that love and work to do good and bless *always*.

3 Nephi 5:4 -- On Covenants

"And now it came to pass that when they had taken all the robbers prisoners, insomuch that none did escape who were not slain, they did cast their prisoners into prison, and did cause the word of God to be preached unto them; and as many as would repent of their sins and enter into a covenant that they would murder no more were set at liberty."
3 Nephi 5:4


Verses like this where it talks about people agreeing to things and gaining freedom boggle my mind a little bit. To me, it seems like there was a lot more trust back then, and if someone said something you could believe them.

I think that it also points out how trustworthy and honest God is, and asks us to be, when he offers to enter into covenants with him, where he agrees to be our God and we agree to be his people, and the ones that add on from there as we get baptized and start on God's path to happiness.

Today, let's think about how trustworthy we are, and upgrade our honesty a bit, especially when it comes to the Lord. As we work on that, we'll become better people, as well as being able to develop a deeper relationship with God.

Alma 4:15 -- On Inequality and Love

"And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the afflictions of the humble followers of God, and the persecutions which were heaped upon them by the remainder of his people, and seeing all their inequality, began to be very sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him."
Alma 4:15


This chapter, especially this verse, is interesting in the way that it talks about equality. We're not talking about differences of people inside and outside the church; previous to this verse it talks about inequality inside the church, and the people of the church setting a bad example for others. The problem was the way that some of the people treated other people. The reasons don't matter that much. The problem was that they weren't united and they didn't love each other.

We can blame inequality on social forces and other external factors, but I think that is what it comes down to. Even if we think we have a really good reason for not liking someone else or treating them badly, we're still getting it wrong. God is all about love, and he can teach us to love even our enemies if we go to him and are willing to follow his advice and work at it. He can change our hearts.

Today, let's be the people making the inequalities less by our service and our love, and let's pray for the Lord's help in learning to love better and in promoting equality and unity.

Alma 16:16-17 -- On Clearing the Way for Joy

"And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming— That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord their God."
Alma 16:16-17


I love the idea, not only of banishing inequality, which is amazing, but also of receiving the word with joy, and cleansing our minds and our hearts so that we don't have anyhing impeding our happiness. :)

Today, let's think about what might be keeping us from feeling the spirit, and participating in the joy of God's word, his promises, and our faith in him... and let's try to cut down on those things that are getting in the way of joy, with God's help and advice.

Alma 3:26-27 -- On Reaping Rewards

"And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.
For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the judges."
Alma 3:26-27


It's interesting, and kind of cool I think, that in the aftermath of the war they just fought they note that those who died recieve rewards according to their works, which is good for some and not for others... it's kind of a stark image, but still so different than just talking about war and blood and misery. Instead, the spirit of God is part of everything, informing every decision and thought, even in the hardest situations, worrying about the souls of those who tried to destroy them.
Perhaps today we can try to look at whatever is currently difficult for us from a gospel perspective, finding how it fits into God's pattern. God will help us put it all into the proper perspective if we reach out to him and seek to understand.