King Limhi’s people and Alma’s people were both in bondage to the Lamanites, but the Lord helped them differently. Limhi’s people were still repenting of their unrighteousness under King Noah, while Alma’s people were new converts. Limhi’s people escaped primarily through strategy—they got the guards drunk and snuck away (see Mosiah 22:6–16)—while Alma’s people received divine assistance. The Lord made their burdens feel light, and then, on escape night, “caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites,” no wine necessary (Mosiah 24:19). The Lord later warned Alma when the Lamanites were in pursuit (see Mosiah 24:23).
Both groups made it to safety. But which group do you think felt more confident and secure while doing it?
Gospel Living app, May 13, 2020
I haven't compared these two groups before, reading through Mosiah, but it's a lesson that stuck.
As I look back on my own life, I can definitely see both ways the Lord has helped me. As with King Limhi's group, when I wasn't doing what I knew to be doing, when I wasn't reading the scriptures frequently, or praying constantly, or even "always remembering Him", I can see how the Lord stood back and passively let me manage my way through life. He still had a hand in my life, He didn't forsake me, but He let me fail to help me to learn my lessons.
In contrast, when I was doing what I knew to do, reading my scriptures frequently and with focus, praying often and with intent, and when I was remembering Him by thought, feeling, and action, the Lord was actively and divinely helping me to manage my life. Just like Alma's group, the Lord has eased my burdens, guided my path while shining a light so I can see, and warned me of impending dangers.
The Lord was always there, in either circumstances of my life, and IS always there, but, my actions, my thoughts, my words, my deeds (Mosiah 4:30), determines whether He is actively and divinely helping me through, or passively watching over me. And, that determination isn't on a daily basis, meaning, if I am out of sorts in the morning, He won't say, forget it now, try again tomorrow. As soon as I turn towards Him, as soon as my focus is on Him, immediately He actively helps.