The Burden of Atlas

I turn off the phone, the conversation finally finished for the night, and feel a huge burden upon me. It is the same feeling as two weeks ago when I was thinking about the wickedness of the world and how it almost seemed as if there was no hope for any change for the better. I felt like crying, the sorrow was great, but no tears came to my eyes; I felt despair. I knelt down as I did then two weeks ago and plead for relief because I didn't know what to do to fix the situation. Within moments of praying I felt peace fill me and had the reassurance that all would be fine; My Heavenly Father had not deserted me and He would help me through the burden. He knew what to do to resolve the situation, but He wanted me to have experience in resolving it first and in being an instrument in His hands. My burden was not taken away; It remained the same size, weight, and capacity. However, the burden was lightened, or rather, I was given strength to bear it. A similar experience had happened to the people of Alma in Book of Mormon times/Ancient America times:

“And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they [the people of Alma] began to cry mightily to God.

“And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.

“And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.”

“And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

“And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:10-15).
The Lord does strengthen us in our burdens as we turn to Him, as I have witnessed especially in these past couple of weeks.