Book of Mormon: Day 223: God Himself Suffered

Today’s reading: Alma 42: 11-21

 15.  And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

Distress.  Grief.  Tears.  I desperately knelt by my bedside in my locked bedroom, distraught. I had snuck away as discreetly as possible so my children wouldn’t realize that I’d left.  My intention was to cry until I couldn’t cry any longer and then, hopefully, no tears would escape in front of actual human beings.  If I could just get some of the worry out, then perhaps I could collect myself enough to not fall apart in front of people, and especially my family.

Hopefully no one will notice.

But someone did notice.  For, as I knelt, intent on sobbing until my face was swollen and red, something amazing happened.  He didn’t want me to cry.  Not now.  Not in this situation.  It was as if someone dried my tears, comforted my soul, and stood me up on my feet.

I smile to think that I actually contemplated returning to my knees because I hadn’t finished, or even begun the task I had set out to do.  I’m glad that I didn’t though, because that wouldn’t be faith, and I would have ungraciously thrown away the precious gifts of peace and mercy that I desperately needed.

The Atonement Made Mercy Possible

Why was I able to experience peace and healing?  Because a God was able to succor me.  In His great mercy, He had paid that price and suffered my exact heartache.  By so doing, knew precisely what peace to offer. Because of the atonement, Jesus knew why I was hurting, how I was hurting and what I needed to feel better. He healed me.

He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan in His parable, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He binds up our wounds and cares for us (see Luke 10:34). Brothers and sisters, the healing power of His Atonement is for you, for us, for all.  -Dallin H. Oaks

What I experienced, kneeling by my bedside, was mercy made possible by the atonement.

My burdens have not always been lifted so miraculously, but it was such a tangible experience.  I will forever remember, that through the atonement, He became my Master Healer, and He- healed- me.

Jeni Brockbank

Jeni Brockbank and her husband Bart are parents to 6 amazing children. She finds great joy in being a wife and mother and feels that both callings are sacred privileges. Jeni is a continual student of the scriptures and loves to share her testimony with anyone who will listen. She teaches choir, is crafty and is grateful on a daily basis to live a few blocks from the Brigham City, UT temple.