The Zoramites who approached Alma were "poor in heart:" They recognized that they needed help, and they were receptive to his message. But the same circumstances which had motivated them to look for help had shattered their confidence. "We have no place to worship our God," said their spokesman, "and behold, what shall we do?" (Alma 32:5).
Anxiety can induce rigid thinking, causing us to miss options that are available to us. Alma's first tactic was to question the artificial barriers these people had erected. "Do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your synagogues only? And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?" (Alma 32:10-11). He actually told them that being cast out of their synagogues could be a blessing, if the resulting humility led them to repent and find God's mercy. (See Alma 32:12-13.)
But these people needed more than an expanded perspective. They needed an infusion of confidence. After inviting them to exercise their faith, to plant the word of God in their hearts, and to believe in the Son of God, Alma concluded with the following words of assurance:
I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.
Alma 33:23
I love that final sentence: "All this ye can ye do if ye will." In other words, "You can do this! I believe in you!" Here are some similar affirmations given by modern church leaders:
- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "If the Savior were standing here today, He would express His endless love for you, His complete confidence in you. He would tell you that you can do this. You can build a joyful, happy life because Jesus Christ is your strength" ("Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth," General Conference, October 2022).
- Sister Elaine S. Dalton: "Do you have something in your life that you need to change? You can do this. You can repent because of the Savior's infinite atoning sacrifice" ("Now Is the Time to Arise and Shine!" General Conference, April 2012).
- Elder J. Devn Cornish: "Let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions "Am I good enough?" and "Will I make it?" are "Yes! You are going to be good enough" and "Yes, you are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel." ... Our Heavenly Father intends for us to make it! That is His work and His glory" ("Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?" General Conference, October 2016).
Today, I will remember that God has confidence in me, and that I can repent and grow with His help. I will trust His promises and follow His guidance with the assurance that I can become everything that He wants me to become.
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