I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

"I am also a man of faith, and I know we can be strengthened and lifted as we call upon God and His Son, Jesus Christ the Master Healer.  I invite you to join with me in worldwide fast for all whose health permits to pray for relief from the physical, emotional, and economic effects of this global pandemic."

When I saw President Nelson's video, I knew about the worldwide fast and had already resolved to participate, but I wanted to know exactly what President Nelson was asking us to fast for.  I fixed on the word "relief".  What does "relief" really mean?

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary says "removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing".  

This made me think of Alma's people, when they are oppressed and in bondage to the Lamanites and the priests of King Noah. Mosiah 24:10 says "And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God."  Verses 13-15 continue:

"13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (emphasis added)

So, what does this mean for us today?  Of course, I don't know exactly what will happen.  But I do know God answers prayers, that He wants us to be happy, and that He has a plan.    

Will He remove the cause of our pain?  Will He ease the burden, as He did for the people of Alma?  Will He strengthen us so the same burden doesn't feel as heavy?  I don't know. I don't know exactly what He means by "relief" in President Nelson's message.  But I know it will come.  





President Nelson's Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btwh40huKIo
Mosiah 24: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/24?lang=eng

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