Avoiding The Pit of Illusion

Most of us recognize that emotions such as anger, jealousy, and resentment are negative emotions that push us into the Pit of Illusion and separate us from the Spirit. But there are other negative emotions that dump us into the Pit that we often fail to recognize. These are usually emotions we feel have been thrust upon us by others and so we have no control over them; but we do!

In the last General Conference (April 2012) Elder Richard G. Scott said, “There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.” Anger, we recognize as keeping us from the Spirit but being hurt or becoming defensive when someone mistreats us are not usually recognized as Pit of Illusion feelings.

As James instructed, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Wrath does mean anger, but the Greek word could also be translated, “agitation of the soul,” and things like taking offense, self-pity, defensiveness, depression, dismay, discouragement are all negative emotions that are agitation of the soul. When we Live in Truth we strive to avoid any negative emotion that dumps us in the Pit of Illusion and separates us from the Spirit.

Close to Heaven

Today was our Primary Children's program at church. Then we went to our daughter's ward and watched our grandson, Eli, in his Primary program. Two Primary programs in one day! It is always my favorite church meeting--to watch all those little children sing and give talks about their Savior touches something deep within me. It was all I could do to keep from weeping.

In addition to that, during Relief Society in my ward, a little boy and a little girl, both about a year old, were playing together. The little boy was standing and the girl sitting on the floor. Gently he reached over and carefully patted her head, then he gave her his toy, and she reached up to touch his tummy and they went on conveying love and delight without any words. It was so tender to watch. I couldn't help but feel like I was witnessing a bit of heaven.

I have decided that there are two things I can always do that will help me feel the Spirit in my life. First, I can offer a prayer of thanks for some blessing in my life and the Spirit comes. Second, I can watch small children. Their innocence and love are contagious! Doing both things always draws me closer to God.

Comforted

This verse of scripture was part of my scripture study yesterday. “And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted” (Alma 15:10). As I read, these words seemed to come alive. They danced off the page and wrapped themselves around my heart and comforted me with peace and joy. And I didn’t even know yet that I needed to be comforted!

The words and the spirit that accompanied them warmed, calmed, and empowered me, but most important the feelings stayed with me all day so that when the doctor gave me the news I was fine. I wish I could give you the feeling instead of just trying to explain it because these poor words don’t even begin to describe what happened. But my testimony of the power of scripture to guide, heal, comfort, and bring joy is increased.

All of us face some sort of Grizelda, but whatever your trial the scriptures can bring you the same power to deal with the problem.

Tomorrow will be another of those in-need-of-comfort days, as I move into the treatment part of this adventure. But I’m not worried because I know He will comfort me through that, too.