Cultivating Our Inner Space
The balm of Gilead is a substance obtained from the sap of a small evergreen tree, with aromatic branches that supposedly soothed and healed. As song1 says, the healing was not always of the body, but of the “sin-sick soul” as well.
All our souls need a touch of the balm of Gilead in today’s fast-paced world – a soothing balm, a calm comfort which comes from within.
If man’s greatest achievement during the past decade were singled out, it would probably be the exploration of outer space. But what about man’s inner space – the seat of his intellect, the center of his soul and emotions? There is an even greater need to develop this area.
Too often we are so concerned with our physical body and its needs that we forget to care for the inner self. As one book of spiritual guidance says, “Therefore, care not for the body, … but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.”2 And as the Savior said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”3
We must learn how to simplify our lives, to slow down, to handle our problems one at a time and not become overburdened with the difficulties of life. We must also develop the ability to be alone with ourselves and our thoughts. Often we head for the country when we want to be alone; yet we have within us the power to retreat into ourselves, and there, if we have cultivated our inner space, we can find immediate tranquility.
Cultivating our inner space should be a key priority in our lives. The benefits are many. Some physicians have observed that a person with good inner capacities is apt to age at a slower rate than an individual without such qualities. Our character is strengthened and improved, and statistics show that men of good character are usually more successful than those with higher intelligence but less firm and integrated characters. Peace of mind is another of the great blessings that comes to one with well-developed inner space. And there are more rewarding associations with others, more enjoyment in the work we do, and greater strength to carry on through difficulties.
The challenge to develop our inner self awaits each of us, and if we accept that challenge, we will also develop within ourselves a soothing restorative balm – a balm to heal the “sin-sick soul.”
1There ls a Balm in Gilead, Music by William L. Dawson, Words from scripture (see Old Testament, Jeremiah 8:22)
2Doctrine and Covenants 101:37
3New Testament, Matthew 16:26
September 17,1972
Broadcast Number 2,243