The people of Alma were in bondage to Amulon. They were being persecuted. They had hard tasks put upon them. They had taskmasters over them. They were forbidden to pray aloud. Their afflictions were great. (This is not the part I love.)
But I love the response of the people of Alma. Although they could not pray aloud, they did pour out their hearts to Him continually and this is the response they got from the Lord.
14 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.
15 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.
I love these verses because I realize that more often than not the Lord does not take our trials away from us although they are really really hard (and I know sometimes I would like them taken away), but He gives us the strength and the courage and the faith to overcome the trials and learn from them.
Life is hard but the Lord is watching over us. He loves us. He knows our needs. He wants to help us and if we pray always and strive to do our best, He will help us and comfort us.
