Spiritual Blowback

Blowback is the low after the high. The resistance after the rush of progress. Not everyone experiences this. But some do. Here’s what I learned about it from the scriptures: In the first book of Nephi, after Nephi sees in a vision the future of his posterity totally wiped out, he feels overwhelmed:

“And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall.”  (1 Nephi 15:5)

But the Lord gives him strength:

“And it came to pass that after I had received ^astrength I spake unto my brethren…” (1 Nephi 15:6)

When you read the cross-refference for “strength,” there are two stories, one from Moses and one from Joseph Smith History. In both, the prophets had just spoken with God and afterward felt that they “had no strength.”

Thus, we learn that it is common for people after they have talked with God or had epic visions to be a little wiped out. And in my experience, this tiredness or overwhelm is exactly when Satan tries to get his claw in.

Since birth is pretty much one of the most sacred and holy experiences a woman or a family can have, it is not surprising that right afterward is also when Satan tries to discourage mothers.  But if we are aware of this pattern, we can better avoid it. When we know that we are in overwhelm or need strength we can be restful and meditative, while also being watchful.