The world can feel overwhelming. Each day seems to bring more noise, more heartache, more uncertainty. Sometimes the heaviness around us makes its way inside of us, and we find ourselves weighed down—not just by the world’s troubles, but also by our own problems and the way in which we speak to ourselves. We become our own harshest critics, telling ourselves that we aren’t enough, that we’ll never measure up, or that somehow God’s love is too far away. We let the energy around us bring us down and we allow the heaviness to affect our every day life. 🙁
But the truth is, none of that comes from God. The adversary would love nothing more than to see us forget who we truly are. He wants us to live in misery every day. He wants us to feel heavy, unhappy, and to be critical of ourselves and others. Heavenly Father, on the other hand, always speaks to us with love. He reminds us to protect ourselves from the evil one through prayer. He wants us to know that He LOVES US. He reminds us of our divine identity as His sons and daughters. President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to your individual progression than knowing who you really are and knowing what God is counting on you to become.”
When we remember that we are children of God, the lens through which we see ourselves changes. Instead of focusing on our weaknesses, we begin to see that we are learning, growing, and becoming. We can see that the challenges we face are sometimes the most cleansing and purifying experiences we can have in our lives. We can choose to turn the focus away from the negative to allow God to purify, strengthen us and teach us. Instead of repeating negative messages to ourselves, we can practice speaking words of light! ☀️—reminders that God is patient with us, that He delights in our efforts, and that He sees our eternal potential. That we may become able to fully protect and shield ourselves from the enemy and instead focus on inviting light, love and peace to be with us. So, let’s practice changing the focus of our lives for it to become a blessing and not to be something that hurts us.
Changing Our Focus
Here are a few ways we can shift our focus when the world feels heavy:
1. Speak with kindness to yourself. When you make a mistake or feel discouraged, ask: “What would Heavenly Father say to me right now?” How would my Savior calm my heart right now? He would never shame you—He would encourage you. Replace your inner criticism with His voice of love. ❤️
2. Fill your mind with God’s word. Daily scripture study brings light and power. As we set a little time aside to come to Him in prayer and to read and listen yo His words, we will feel His strength coming into our lives. The Savior taught, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). His promises can become anchors of hope in our thoughts. HE IS OUR ANCHOR. ⚓️ & In Him we can find daily joy. 🙏🏼💛
3. Focus on gratitude and joy. President Nelson reminded us, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Choosing to notice God’s hand—even in small and simple ways—brings joy into daily living. Can you change your focus right now? Just by expressing gratitude for the blessings that you have today? 😭
4. Remember your purpose. Life is not just about surviving the storms. It’s about becoming more like Christ through them. When we keep an eternal perspective, the trials of life are not wasted—they refine us. The hard challenges we experience are opportunities for us to grow in different areas. These are not “punishments” from God. All of us, even the most faithful in this life have to experience some of the hardest challenges. But we know that in the end, if we endure it well with God by our side, we will see that all of the things we go through will give us experience and be for our good. You never know who you’re meant to bless or help based on the challenges you’ve experienced or will experience. We just have to remember in the living God that will help us through. In protecting the light within us and in remembering that we have a purpose in this life. God has a plan for your life. Trust Him and keep moving forward in His light and divine wisdom for your life. 🤍
Living with Purpose and Joy
Heavenly Father didn’t send us here to be swallowed by fear, shame, or despair. He sent us here to learn to live in joy, to discover His love, and to prepare to return to Him. The Holy Ghost whispers peace and truth, reminding us that God has not abandoned us. He is with us in the quiet moments, strengthening us to keep going.
So when the world feels heavy, lift your thoughts heavenward. Remind yourself of your divine nature. Replace the negative self-talk with God’s truth: You are loved. You have infinite divine worth and you are His child.
As we choose to focus on God, His love, and His plan for us, we find that the weight of the world grows lighter. We begin to live with a better purpose, filled with peace and joy that no amount of chaos can take away. We know in whom we trust and we focus on protecting that light and being a light to others instead. 💛
Our goal for the week is to check our inner thoughts, words and emotions. See them from a distance and ask yourself if those things align with what your loving Father in Heaven would speak to your heart and mind right now. Take a moment to connect to God and just feel His presence. Try to change the focus of your internal lens this week by placing your focus on God and on what He wants you to think about and to go and do. The more we’re able to check in on ourselves and allow God to help us…The more anchored we will feel and gratitude, joy, light and peace will flow into our lives. That’s the indescribable peace of God. ♥️
I invite you to come to class tonight to let go of your stress, to have a moment to think about your connection to your body, mind and spirit. Allow yourself to let go of the heaviness and instead fill yourself with strength for your body, peace for your mind and joy for your spirit. 💕
Love you all and hope to see you tonight at 7pm!
Love,
Lili 🌸
