First Nephi 19:23

And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

More than any other prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah invites and inspires faith in Jesus Christ. Though he lived many hundred years before the coming of Christ, Isaiah saw his day clearly -- more clearly, in fact, than most of the people who lived and walked with Jesus. He saw Jesus' birth, life, sacrifice, death, and resurrection. This prophet proclaimed Jesus as Wonderful, Councilor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We would do well to follow the admonition of Nephi to study the writings of Isaiah and let their message seep deep into our hearts, and realize that what he wrote is intended for us today.

First Nephi 19:20

 For behold, I have workings in the spirit, which doth weary me even that all my joints are weak, for those who are at Jerusalem; for had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also.

I can understand a little of what Nephi means about "workings in the spirit" when it comes to my family. I cannot stop myself from praying for them. I also had an experience recently where I had an increase in charity for the brethren in my high priest group, which motivated me to want to pray more fervently for these men with whom I associate. I cannot imagine, however, having such powerful concerns for a whole city, and especially for one that drove my family out and threatened to kill my father. Charity is an amazing gift!

First Nephi 19:6

Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.

Nephi's great weakness is that he is mortal. That is the weakness in all of us. God gave us this weakness that we may be humble. God gives only good gifts, so our mortal weakness is a good thing if we learn humility and reliance on God. If we fight God about our mortality, we miss out on the true purpose of the gift. He will not overpower our agency if do not choose to come to him. We only prolong our misery.

First Nephi 19:3

And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord.

The Lord does not always tell us his reasoning behind the commandments he gives and the trials we suffer. For Nephi it was enough to know the Lord commanded. I don't think he ever learned in this life why he had to make his small plates. It didn't matter. He trusted that God knew what he was doing. How much more peaceful our lives would be if we just trusted the Lord's judgment and gave up trying to figure it all out.

First Nephi 18:20

And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.

God uses his power to soften our hearts so they become susceptible to the peace of his spirit.  He must sometimes shake us to get our attention. He does not delight in pain, afflictions, destruction, and disasters,  but he delights in repentance and having his children draw near to him.  He uses his power to best effect to knock us off the wrong path and nudge us onto the right one. He demonstrates his love through his power.

First Nephi 18:16

Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.

Nephi's recipe for enduring affliction: look to God, praise Him all day, and don't complain.

First Nephi 18:3

And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

Line upon line and precept upon precept is how the Lord works. We should not expect God's revelations to be one and done. There are no end to his words. Once we learn the process to open the channel of communication, he will constantly reveal knowledge to us.