FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT--Comfort My Soul in Christ

Alma 31:31-32

Knowing that the task ahead of him (converting the apostate Zoramites) was truly monumental, and feeling within in his soul that it would be impossible without God's assistance, Alma prayed:

"Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou COMFORT my soul IN CHRIST. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have STRENGTH, that I may suffer with PATIENCE these afflictions. . . O Lord, wilt thou COMFORT my soul, and give unto me SUCCESS. . . "

Granted, these verses were written in the context of Alma's missionary work, but the principles in his prayer apply to our own trials today. When we suffer in this life, we can also plead with God in a similar manner. We are entitled to His comfort. He can bless us with more patience in suffering. He can bless us with greater strength. He can further our success, if our desires are righteous and good.

As I thought specifically of weight-loss while reading further into the chapter, I was struck by verse 38:

"And the Lord provided for them that they should HUNGER NOT, neither should they thirst; yea and he also gave them STRENGTH, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the JOY OF CHRIST. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because HE HAD FAITH."

Though again, I have taken this scripture out of its original context, keeping in mind that we are supposed to apply scriptures to our own lives, this verse teaches me an important lesson. I wonder if I am praying with that kind of strength. I wonder if my prayers are the kind that would allow the Lord to literally TAKE AWAY MY HUNGER!! (Physically and spiritually) I wonder if my faith is sufficient that my afflictions could be swallowed up in my joy of Christ. I want to pray with THAT kind of faith!