By Daniel Harmon, Center for Living Water

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.

Suffering is an inevitable aspect of life. Every person and creature on this planet experiences and witnesses suffering over the course of their lifetime. It feels like the amount of suffering in our collective experience is almost too much to bear when we consider human conditions, planetary harm, major conflicts, and existential threats. How do we find hope when there is so much in the world to be alarmed and concerned about?

Even in times when we are overwhelmed and hopeless, we are reminded that God’s redemptive movements are working in the world. It’s important, and in fact imperative, that we align ourselves with those holy movements that seek justice, peace, love, and kindness. Even as we long for and anticipate a time when the world feels more stable, we must be beacons of light here and now. When we choose to do this we are not only resisting forces of greed, violence, and hatred that are so present around us; we are actively reshaping the world with each loving action we take. 1 Peter reminds us not to be afraid or intimidated! Do what is good, and the world will be blessed.

I recently wrote a song that emerged from my own prayers desperately seeking hope during challenging and tumultuous times. The refrain is as follows:

Hope is a refuge
That holds the world even as it falls apart.
The mind can’t explain,
It’s a trust that is born from the heart.

Perhaps our scripture today is calling us to move out of our heads and into our hearts. To trust the promise of love even when it feels like the world is falling apart. Maybe that’s where we find hope, and our prayers of anticipation become sacred movements of Christ’s peace.

Prayer Phrase

“In his hand is the life of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

Trees

Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.