After escaping from King Noah and settling the land of Helam, Alma’s people learn about and rejoice in a new style of King-less government. Each man will be his own responsible agent before God.
Immediately thereafter, ironically, they find themselves again in bondage under a wicked king. This is the test - God wants to know if their loyalty to Him is situational.
Even when communing with God bears capital consequences, however, they persist cheerfully in the way they can. They prove that there is no way anyone can stand between God and His children if they are determined.
The day of their deliverance comes and these Nephites escape to freedom. Their first stop is in a valley where EVERYONE gives thanks. This has got to be such and amazing experience! This is no doubt Holy ground to these faithful and grateful band of determined disciples.
Then God then warns them to flee further. He tells them that their pursuers will not proceed beyond this special Valley. Sanctified by their praise, this land is the end of the road for their oppressors. Is this not the fruit of their grateful praise? Special now for two reasons, The Valley of their praise becomes a wall to their oppressors.
The scriptures hold divine patterns. What about the implications of this story for me? Are those influences that would bind or afflict me also stopped in their tracks as I praise and gratefully glorify God? Am I taking full advantage of, and teaching my children about, the incredible power of gratitude to God? Here I raise my Ebenezer.
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