Our God does not indulge us, but He is merciful toward our weaknesses as He strives to tutor us.

We are in bondage to that which overcomes us. See also 2 Peter 2:19.

When we rejoice in beautiful scenery, great art, and great music, it is but the flexing of instincts acquired in another place and another time.

The authority of example and considerations of character, unlike pudding, are not whipped up in an instant.

Our afflictions brothers and sisters often will not be extinguished, they will be dwarfed and swallowed up in the joy of Christ. That’s how we overcome, most of the time. It’s not their elimination, but the placing of them in that larger context.

Real hope is much more than wishful musing. It stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine.

While most of our suffering is self- inflicted, some is caused by or permitted by God. This sobering reality calls for deep submissiveness, especially when God does not remove the cup from us. In such circumstances, when reminded about the premortal shouting for joy as this life's plan was unfolded (Job 38:7), we can perhaps be pardoned if, in some moments, we wonder what all the shouting was about.