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The Power of Reflection Part 3

For the past two weeks, we have been discussing different meanings and implications of the word reflection…

First, we talked about it as it relates to our responsibility to share the Savior’s light. Second, we talked about it as a way to help us focus our minds and our life choices on the Savior’s teachings.

For the final installment of this discussion, I’d like to talk about the word reflection as it relates to how we see ourselves.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

In its simplest form, a mirror reflects the image in front of it, but often what we see in the mirror depends on more than just reflected light.

Can you see yourself as our Father in Heaven sees you…with all your divine potential?

Or… do you see something else?

Sometimes, our minds have a way of focusing our eyes and our feelings on our faults and failings. Satan often uses this tendency to discourage or dishearten us. Few of us are immune to this type of attack.

In 2 Nephi 4, Nephi gives us a very personal glimpse into his own struggle with self-image. Listen to his words. Can you picture him looking in the mirror as he is talking?

“... O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins...”

Have you ever felt like Nephi?

Most of us probably have…

Fortunately, Nephi helps us put these feelings in perspective…

“...nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support;”

He goes on to list several specific ways that God has supported him throughout his life… As he runs through this list, we can almost see him recalling these memorable experiences, perhaps in his morning devotional, as a way of anchoring and aligning his life and his path to God.

He concludes with this…

“…why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow…and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?”

“And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?”

“Awake, my soul! …and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.”

“Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.”

Finally, he has a specific request from God…perhaps as part of his morning prayer…

“O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!...”

“O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.”

“Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. …Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.”

(2 Nephi 4:17-35”

The next time you feel disheartened by faults, circumstances, or weakness…take a moment and look in the mirror. I hope you will see yourself as our Father in Heaven sees you…

…as His child…as a “work in progress”…full of divine promise and glory.

Then take heart and ask with Nephi…

“O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness…”

I promise that He will.

Never doubt your divine potential and His divine love for you.

President Gardner