One of the traits that enables one to endure almost any hardship is unshaken faith in the Lord. Praising the Lord, whether it be by song or sermon or through prayers of gratitude, is an indicator of that trust and complete reliance upon the Lord. Singing such praises buoys the spirit and brings strength to weary souls and courage to fearful hearts. “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart,” the Lord declared in our day, “yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12).
Prayers of praise and gratitude, as well as petitions and pleadings for protection, are vocalized faith and are also a means whereby God’s children can “sing the song of redeeming love” (see Alma 5:26). Just as the Jaredites faced their uncertain and frightening journey with faith, prayers, and songs of praise, so too can we dispel the darkness of discouragement, be filled with courage to faithfully face uncertainty and opposition, and be spiritually strengthened to endure well whatever we are required to face on our sojourn in mortality.
“For If Ye Forgive Men Their Trespasses Your Heavenly Father Will Also Forgive You”
My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. And ye ought to say in your hearts-let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. (D&C 64:8-11.)