Be of Good Cheer!

I was reading the July Ensign tonight when I became engaged in an article titled, "Be Of Good Cheer" I needed to read it! Have you ever read an article or heard a talk when you feel like the speaker or author is speaking directly to you? Kind of like ... Dear Jana, Love Camille as it pertains to this article.

John 16:33  "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

We all have tribulation. I am so grateful for the atonement and for Christ's promise to me that I can be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. I am constantly working on my need to be in control and let go and let God take over. I have blogged about it more than once. I can only trust God in my current tribulation. And, ya know, I have been much more at peace lately ... even knowing that I am no better off today, than I was on Oct. 8, 2010... when I lost my job.  The Lord has been with me constantly and has blessed me in so many ways. I am humbly grateful for His abundant love for me, even though I bask in unworthiness. He is constantly giving me tender mercy's every day.  As I learn more each day to submit myself to His will and His time with much patience, exercising faith and trust continually.

 Mosiah 24:14 "...yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."


Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”

D&C 24:8 “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days”
 
In the days of frustration and despair,  I try to remain focused on these promises. I know the Lord is in charge and will continue to bless me according to His will and my needs. I know He sees the bigger picture and only wants what is best for me. Patience has never been my strong suit, but I'm working on it! and I try to keep a sense of humor. I was promised in my patriarchal blessing that the Lord would make easy my burdens as I call upon Him and place my trust in Him.
I am so grateful that I know I can call upon Him. I know He is there and so willing to see me through all of life's bumps and lumps! 
I wrote a poem I want to share:
 
TRUST
         by Janalea Jeppson
I bring to Him my broken heart...
He gives me everything.
He loves me through the pains of life,
in faith my soul does sing! 
 
He reaches out to hold my hand
as I stumble through my trials.
He fills my soul with hope and strength.
along life's every mile.
 
I know He'll see me through it all.
He listens when I pray.
And as I place my trust in Him
He'll help me through each day.