We Can Help Others Find Peace in Difficult Times

The Lord chastised Job’s friends, who had judged rather than ministered to him.

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woman receiving a priesthood blessing in home

In times such as these, finding inner peace can be a challenge. Most of us experience times when keeping a peaceful spirit is a struggle. We can help support and bless each other’s lives with compassion and understanding.

Mary (names have been changed) expected her marriage to be happy and successful. She left her old life behind to immerse herself in her life with her husband. But after time, he made life choices that destroyed their union. She felt panicky, unprepared, and completely lost as she struggled to create another life for herself and her four children. She knew she needed to let God prevail in her life and allow Him to heal her, but it wasn’t easy.

Mary’s ministering brother and sister, the Watsons, lovingly reached out to her to offer assistance and support. At first, Mary stubbornly insisted she didn’t need help. But the Watsons and other members of her ward continued to offer their love and friendship in simple, natural ways: sitting with Mary’s family at gatherings, helping with yard work, and finding simple but personal ways to let Mary know they were thinking about her and serious about helping. She particularly appreciated the many priesthood blessings Brother Watson provided for Mary and her children, bringing peace to their hearts.

Mary knew the Watsons had been assigned to her, but she never felt like the service and friendship were out of obligation. She felt their sincerity and love because they treated her like a beloved sister. They became her family.

Let God Prevail

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people socializing

Photograph by Jeremy Hall

The book of Job in the Old Testament tells the well-known story of a man who experienced severe trials and hardship. His wife asked him why he didn’t just give up (see Job 2:9). His friends, who originally came to minister to him (see Job 2:11–13), ended up judging him and tried to convince him that his trials were punishment for sin (see Job 22). But he remained determined to let God prevail in his life (see Job 13:15). Through his faithfulness, he was able to receive blessings even greater than he had before, including the blessing of coming to know God in a more complete way (see Job 42:1–5). As ministering brothers and sisters, our love and support can help others turn to the Lord in their challenges and be healed (Doctrine and Covenants 112:13).

As ministering brothers and sisters, our love and support can help others turn to the Lord in their challenges and be healed (Doctrine and Covenants 112:13).

Principles to Consider

As you seek to help those to whom you minister find peace, consider the following:

Mary’s ministering brother and sister reached out in love and avoided passing judgment (see Job 42:7; Moroni 7:45–48).
Ministering is often best accomplished through small and simple acts (see Alma 37:6).
If we put ourselves in our friend’s position and pray to know what would help the most, God can direct our actions (see Matthew 7:7–11).
Priesthood blessings can not only provide physical healing but also offer peace and comfort in times of stress or difficulty.
Like Job, if we remain faithful in our trials and let God prevail in our lives, we can become acquainted with God and be at peace (see Job 22:21).

What Can We Do?

If someone you minister to faces trials and challenges, strive to offer sincere love and support without judging them unrighteously as Job’s friends did.