Tender Mercies

A couple months ago, I gave a talk on mercy, specifically on the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives. We were short on time so I wasn't able to share one part of my talk. The part I wasn't able to share is how tender mercies play a role in our trials. I really believe that one of the times we will see the largest amount of tender mercies in our lives is during our trials. Looking for tender mercies during our trials can buoy us up and help us through the refiner's fire.

Elder Bednar, in a talk called "The Tender Mercies of the Lord", said

"The Lord's tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility, invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings."

I believe that tender mercies that come during our trials are not a coincidence at all. The fact that I was able to find a better doctor because of a meeting I went to was not a coincidence. It was not a coincidence that I have received phone calls at critical moments of this trial. That texts have come when I've needed them most. That one of my boys has given me a hug without knowing that I really needed one. Tender mercies are all around us!

During one particular difficult night, I woke in the middle of the night with this trial heavy on my mind. As I struggled through I finally climbed out of bed and knelt down. I offered up to Heavenly Father the most fervent prayer of my life. As I did so, I immediately felt peace overcome me. Enough peace to help me through the night. He didn't fix my trial, but he provided me comfort to make my load a little easier. The Lord's timing in that experience showed me that this was a tender mercy sent from the Lord.

It can be so hard to look around us during our trials and see how much the Lord is lifting us up and supporting us. However, if we take the time to do so, our burdens will be lighter. I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord in my life. Noticing those tender mercies has made my burden lighter.