Graph of Progress

Sometimes I get discouraged with the mistakes I make. I know that it's part of learning and that through the Savior's atonement I can overcome it, but I'd just been making so much progress! I've realized though, that with progression comes set backs.

Even Nephi, a prophet, encountered such setbacks. He recognized the joy he felt from the spirit, so much that he says his "soul delighteth in the things of the Lord." (2 Nephi 4:16) But his "heart exclaimeth...because of the temptations and the sins that do so easily beset [him]." (2 Nephi 4:17-18)

A prophet even recognizes that as much as he loves the spirit and the Lord, he sometimes falters and has to work to once again progress and have the spirit with him. He cries out "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul." (2 Nephi 4:28)

So when we make a mistake, we can't give up or get disheartened. The key is to pick ourselves back up, with a new determination to serve God and be worthy of His Spirit. Making our peaks a little higher than our last peak, and then when we falter, not falling as far as we did before. That will be the key to our progression in returning to live with our Father in Heaven.  

...With Hymns of Praise

I have always loved music, but since I've been on my mission I have had an increase of love for the hymns.

The prophets have said that "The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord...Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end."

Elder Oaks once said, and I agree, that "the singing of hymns is one of the best ways to put ourselves in tune with the Spirit of the Lord."

As my companion and I have been working, any time that we find we don't know what to do, or are distracted, we stop and sing a hymn. I've noticed what a strong impact a simple hymn can be. By singing hymns I have felt the spirit more than I would on an average day. I've been directed when I am confused. I have felt the Lord's love.

I testify that hymns bring the spirit. If you're ever feeling down, confused, or upset, stop and sing a hymn and I know that the Holy Ghost will touch your heart and bring feelings of hope, peace, and guidance. 

Read more about the power of hymns.