The day is coming when sitting on the fence won't be an option. (Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah)

Nahum

1:7

We all have days of trouble. We experience days where everything seems to go wrong. A job or relationship may be lost in a day. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." What aspect of our lives can never be taken away? Our testimony of and relationship with Christ.

The foundation of our happiness should be based on Jesus Christ. If we do, our happiness is never at risk. We can keep the big picture in mind even in the face of great trials. Truly, our faith in Christ and our knowledge of the plan of salvation is a stronghold for us in days of trouble.

Christ knows those who trust in him. That's interesting. I believe that's true in any relationship. I don't truly know anyone who doesn't trust me. If someone trusts me, they are comfortable being vulnerable and authentic. They share their struggles. They ask for advice. They want to talk often.

I say it's impossible for someone to know you if you don't trust them first.

Habakkuk

1:4

"Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." Habakkuk is complaining against the Lord that it doesn't appear that there is justice in his world. He sees the wicked being prosperous and doesn't understand it. He disagrees with how God is dispensing consequences for wickedness vs. righteousness.

We cannot attempt to outthink the Lord. None of us, prophet or not, have ALL of the information. God's ways may not make sense to us.

I am perplexed at those who condemn a current policy of the Church or argue against a point of doctrine or question some aspect of Church history. We attempt to understand and even judge the works of God. To think that, with my 51 year old brain, that I can exercise more wisdom and judgment than an eternal being is borderline psychotic.

Obviously, I need to figure things out and think for myself. But I need to have faith and trust the prophet.

Here's an example, some middle-aged geniuses have looked to evidence that the DNA of the native people in America is primarily from Eastern/Asian countries. They've used this as bonafide proof that the Book of Mormon is a fraud. However, just this morning, I read an article that shows that newly discovered bones indicate that the DNA was from the Middle East. This seems to add credence to the Book of Mormon.

We can't think that we are smart enough to outthink God or there's no place for faith.

1:13

"Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?" Habakukk cannot understand how the Lord can look upon the wicked taking advantage of the righteous and not, at least, say something.

He doesn't understand why God is just letting things play out without taking some type of action. In these situations where we don't understand, we should have faith and trust.

1:16

When we see a direct cause an effect from our efforts or tools to results, it's easy to give credit to the effort/tools. "Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag."

There are modern-day equivalents to this. We may worship our job because our pay allows us to survive. We may worship our education because it opens doors for us. It may be that we worship our cell phones because of all of the dopamine we get from public praise.

When I was young and working hard to build a business, I had it in my head that the business trumped everything. If my wife needed my help with the children but I had a business responsibility, the business always won. I figured that, since it was paying the bills, it was preeminent. I was wrong. It should have been a distant third to God and my family.

2:6, 13

I believe this verse is talking about enriching ourselves with other people's possessions. "Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his!" However, I first thought of something else when I read it.

Many of us are working hard to build our worldly wealth. Some of us are much better at it than others. Some of us are fixated on it. It can become our purpose. In verse 13, we read, "...and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity."

Yet, we all should remember that the richest and poorest person gives up everything they have the moment they die. Turns out, all of the wealth and possessions of this world are inherently temporary. We give it all up eventually.

Instead, we should work to build those things that are eternally ours. Our character, knowledge, faith, relationships can continue on.

3:17-18

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk is saying that, no matter what happens, he will rejoice in the Lord. His faith cannot be changed based on his current circumstances.

All of us should have this same unconditional love. If someone loves you only when times are good, is that really love? If hard times come and that person curses you, do they love you? Or, do they view you as a 'good times vending machine?' Our love for God must enduring enough to withstand the hard stages of our earthly journey.

Zephaniah

1:3

"I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked." That's an interesting phrase. How are stumblingblocks associated with the wicked?

I think one point is that the wicked generally aren't wicked in isolation. They influence others. They want companions. How many people have been led away from the truth by a wicked friend? Without the wicked, the righteous have less stumblingblocks.

It's even more than that. The wicked often oppress others. They make others suffer. Whether it's a thief or a cheater or an abuser, the wicked are negatively affecting those around them. Truly, stumblingblocks will be consumed with the wicked.

1:6

"And them that are turned back from the Lord; and those that have not sought the Lord, nor inquired for him." There two types of people here:

1. Those who have turned back from the Lord. These are the rebels. They have known the Lord and his goodness and have turned their backs on him. They are more accountable.

2. Those who have not sought the Lord, nor inquired for him. These are those who have ignored the pull to seek the Lord. Those who had the opportunity but didn't take it. These are less accountable.

1:12

"And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil." This seems to be describing those who are apathetic about God.

I believe this describes many people in the world today. They don't look for evidence of God and think he doesn't exist. Or, they believe that he's uninterested in their lives.

This attitude is often found with people whose lives have been relatively easy. Their situation hasn't been desperate enough to rely on God.

The time for an apathetic approach towards God is past. This world is becoming polarized and we must choose which side we are going to be on. Remaining on the fence will be harder when the wicked are going one direction and the righteousness in another.

1:17

"And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord." Sometimes, when I am in distress, my mind slips into 'brain stem.' It is the part of the brain that takes over with fight or flight...or freeze. When this happens, my frontal lobe shuts down and my vision narrows. I am not wise in these moments.

1:18

It's important to know that no amount of worldly success will mean anything at the second coming. "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath."

2:3

"...seek righteousness, seek meekness." Of course I understand why righteousness is so essential. Why is meekness so important? I believe that it has to do with teachability.

Imagine a righteous yet unteachable person. He is a good man. How much can he progress? His righteousness may not lead to improvement. Righteousness doesn't necessarily mean submission to another's will.

We must be obedient. But the quality that will lead to eternal life is meekness. We must be willing to submit - to be meek. God can do much with us if we will meekly follow him.

2:10

Destruction is prophesied. "This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts." Pride isn't about what you have, it's about how you have more than others.

We all have a natural tendency to look after ourselves first. Some of us care much more about our wealth than another's. Some of us will disadvantage another to rise higher in our career or social standing. We must overcome this natural tendency to be selfish.

We also have a bad habit of seeing ourselves in a better light than others. If we have a dispute with a neighbor, not one of us will objectively see how WE are the ones in the wrong. It's always the other guy. This is connected to pride. Always making ourselves the hero and the other person the villain is another way to magnify ourselves.

2:15

"This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in!" It's possible that many of us are 'dwelling carelessly.' When I think of that phrase, I think of someone who doesn't feel urgency. He may not feel urgency to:

• Serve others.

• Learn more about the gospel.

• Study what latter-day prophets are saying.

• Be valiant in callings.

I believe that, for many years, I dwelt carelessly. I was so focused on career that spirituality was about church attendance. I didn't have time to study and serve.

I'm so grateful that I have had an opportunity to reprioritize my life. I dwell less carelessly that I have as younger Eric.

3:19

"Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame." Everything that is a problem for us will be rolled back. Any sickness and disease and injury will end. The physical and mental disabilities will disappear. Those who were mocked and persecuted will finally be vindicated.

All will be set right at the time of the second coming. All karma will be returned. What went around will come around. A type of judgment will occur and it will be completely fair. The second coming will be terrible and great.