Today’s reading: 2 Nephi 1:10—19
13 O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.
Living in sin is really hard on so many of us. It could be sins that need to be repented of through a Bishop or through prayer with our Heavenly Father. The “deep sleep” or ‘sin’ that enters into our lives can be as small as unclean thoughts, unkind words toward others, not being honest in our everyday lives and so much more. Growing up I always visioned sins or being in a “deep sleep” as something very serious that I would need a Bishop’s help.
I also think that a deep sleep could be distractions such as social media, spending money, going out on Sunday’s, not spending time wisely, not following the speed limit. Anything that bounds us; anything that chains us. It is hard for us to see, it is hard for us to realize the negative impact these small things can have on our lives, and the view of the Savior. Oh, how we need the Savior!
This is a gospel of eternal progress, and we must remember to appreciate the journey. Eternal means “without beginning or end,” so the encircling of His love is there for us every day. Remember, it’s constant—even when we don’t recognize it. —Sister Bonnie D. Parkin, “Eternally Encircled in His Love“
I feel like this quote ties perfectly with verse 15:
15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.
I love how much we can relate to this verse. The Lord has redeemed our souls from hell. The Lord, Jesus Christ has already atoned for our sins. He is our advocate, and is ready to help us repent. He is ready to help us wake from this deep sleep that we may be in. Another point of view is this: every time we turn to the Lord, every time we pray, read our scriptures, attend the temple, partake of the sacrament, attend our church meetings, we are redeemed from hell. Turning to the Lord redeems us from hell. The Holy Spirit heals our heart and helps us walk the path of repentance. It’s beautiful and wonderful. We are so, so very loved.
Dear sisters, I pray that as you work through your “deep sleep” in life, that you will always remember that the Lord is near, and He is ready to help you. He loves you eternally, and that love never changes.
I’m a mormon, wife, photographer, digital media major, blogger and creative entrepreneur. I love to read books, go hiking, drink hot-chocolate and watch movies. I also enjoy coloring, pedicures and sunshine!
I loved this, Ash!