EVIL FOREBODINGS

"All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."  Proverbs 15:15

An "evil foreboding" is a vague, threatening feeling that something bad is going to happen.  There was a point when I realized that I had actually carried these feelings with me most of my life.  In fact, I had been made miserable by evil thoughts and forebodings.

Perhaps you have these feelings as well.  You have circumstances that are very difficult, but even when you don't, you are still miserable because your thoughts are poisoning your outlook and robbing you of the ability to enjoy life and see good days.

Pesident Ezra Taft Benson taught:

"As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression. In the Book of Mormon we read that “despair cometh because of iniquity.” (Moro. 10:22.) “When I do good I feel good,” said Abraham Lincoln, “and when I do bad I feel bad.” Sin pulls a man down into despondency and despair."


Richard G Scott stated:  "Feelings of turmoil and despondency often signal a need for repentance."

So, for many of us the evil forebodings; or feelings of despair, discouragement, despondency and depression come from us doing things that are not good.  If that is the case, then we know what we need to do.  Repent.

Enos spoke of his great despair as if his "soul hungered".  I understand those feelings all too well; and I think that is why this book in The Book of Mormon has touched me so deeply.  I have found that when I read of the anguish and despair of those individuals in the scriptures; who have overcome those feelings I come to the Lord with a humble heart - beseaching his forgiveness and his love.

James A Cullimore shared in his talk Confession and Forsaking the following statement:

"But when one reaches the depths of despondency and feels the hopelessness of his position, and when he cries out to God for mercy in helplessness but in faith, there comes a still, small, but penetrating voice whispering to his soul, ‘Thy sins are forgiven thee.’ ” (Miracle of Forgiveness [Bookcraft, 1969], p. 344.) The scriptures give us great comfort."


But what if those feelings of depression are no fault of our own?  How do we overcome those feelings?
This is a question that I ponder over frequently.  There are days; weeks and even months where depression is felt in the very pit of my stomach and there is no way to quench it.  Where do I find the peace?
In Octtober 2006, Dalin H Oaks gave a talk entitled:  "He Heals the Heavey Laden"  - the subtitle reads:  "The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ … is available for every affliction in mortality."
The Savior said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

He Heals The Heavy Laden

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the answer to all those things that trouble the restless heart.