On the Magnify podcast, mother and law professor Shima Baradaran Baughman shared her go-to scripture verse when she’s feeling worried:
“Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17).
How do we “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power”? For Shima, it’s all about where she directs her attention. When feelings of worry arise, rather than dwell on them, she believes we can look at them as reminders to turn to Christ.
Let Worry Be a Spiritual Reminder
“Worry is kind of like the canary in the coal mine, my warning signal that God has been pushed to my outside,” Shima says. “[But] if God is at the center of our lives and Christ is our focus, then we have joy.”
Similarly, Elder Carl B. Cook said, “There are things we can do to build our faith in Jesus Christ and help us avoid worrying. ... We can offer meaningful personal prayers and participate in daily focused scripture study.”
Reading about the life of Jesus Christ in the scriptures is one way to help refocus on the assurance of God’s promises and let go of worry.
“Jesus Christ never was worried,” Shima explains. “Even when things were grim, He wept, He was angry, He called people out. ... He sometimes was silent on purpose, but He didn’t worry.”
Other Helpful Hints from Scripture
The Doctrine and Covenants are also filled with reminders of God’s guiding presence.
Joseph Smith received the revelation that includes Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 while in Liberty Jail—a place where cheerfulness would be hard to come by. “The walls were thick, the stone floor was cold and filthy, food was scarce and rotten, and the two narrow, iron-barred windows near the ceiling allowed for very little light” (Come, Follow Me October 20–26 lesson).
Circumstantially, Joseph’s situation was one that merited personal worry and even dread. Adding to his list of reasons to worry, the Saints were being persecuted and driven from their homes, and he was locked away, unable to help them.
At this low point, he asked, “O God, where art thou?”
The Lord’s answer to this question is a list that can help calm any worried thought. Here are a few:
- The Lord knows us personally and wants us to have peace (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7).
- Our trials will be short in the eternal perspective (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7).
- Faithful endurance will lead to exaltation (Doctrine and Covenants 121:8).
- God will triumph over all (Doctrine and Covenants 121:8).
- Friends are in our lives to help us (Doctrine and Covenants 121:9).
As we turn our worries over to Him, the Lord promises that we can “stand with the utmost assurance” to see His power and personal love be revealed.
So, the next time worries creep in, remind yourself of His promises in the scriptures.
Want to have more joy in life? Subscribe to the Magnify podcast and listen in (or catch up!) during January and February for compelling conversations and tips on how to feel and share more of the joy promised in the gospel.
▶ Four reminders to help relieve stress today
▶ Examples from the Savior to help heal from grief
▶ Learning how to choose joy no matter our circumstances
