Today’s Reading: 3 Nephi 15: 1-12
9 Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.
Christ’s invitation is simple: Look unto me. When anxieties overwhelm us, when difficult decisions loom over us, when crisis consume us, or even if peace and prosperity bless us, His expectation is that we look to Him. He is the Light of the World, His gospel a message of peace and hope to the entire world and to all people. Just as He calmed the “great storm “whose “waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full” [1], so He can also calm storms that rage in our hearts, weary our minds, or worry our souls.
But do we believe Him? Truly believe He is capable to calm our troubled hearts when job loss has threatened our family, infertility rips at our hearts, or any other vicissitude of life trouble our hearts?
As political contentions continue to divide our great country and war and international conflict intensify, I’ve found myself figuratively crying out, “Master, carest thou not that we perish” [2]? My anxieties have taken a strong hold in my heart. What is to become of our great nation? Is healing and unification out of reach? Will our world ever be at peace or will my children live to see a third World War? In these moments, I feel as the disciples who were tossed about on that small ship, and I am terrified.
I’ve realized that the Lord’s gentle rebuke is especially applicable here: “And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” [3]
Ouch! Of all the problems in the world, it is my faith that needs addressing? Facing this painful reality was humbling. My faith needs strengthening, perhaps an overhaul. But how is this possible? What must I do? Of this Elder David Bednard has elaborated [4]:
“Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23)…The Master also explained, “He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23)… We should look to and have our focus firmly fixed upon the Savior at all times and in all places.”
In order to hush our fears, we must “look unto (Him)” just as He has asked of us repeatedly throughout the scriptures [Isa. 45:22, D&C 6:36, Psalms 119:132]. Paul additionally taught that the antidotes for anxiety were prayer and trust in the Lord: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” [5]
Are we immersed in the scriptures, partaking of the great feast of the gospel, or are we nibbling, maybe even withholding completely? Do we take the time to know Christ, to know stories about Him and prophecies concerning Him? More importantly, have we begun to have our own experiences with Him? Do we recognize His hand in our lives? Or are we too consumed by the cares and idols of this world that we overlook His merciful provision? Are our lives aligned with His gospel? Are our hearts pure?
I love the hymn Master, the Tempest Is Raging [6]. It serves as a powerful reminder that although storms may rage around us, or within us, that “no waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies”.
Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness.
No shelter or help is nigh.
Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat’ning
A grave in the angry deep?
Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today.
The depths of my sad heart are troubled.
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul,
And I perish! I perish! dear Master.
Oh, hasten and take control!
The winds and the waves shall obey thy will:
Peace, be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be,
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, be still; peace, be still.
They all shall sweetly obey thy will:
Peace, peace, be still.
Master, the terror is over.
The elements sweetly rest.
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven’s within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more,
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
And rest on the blissful shore.
Vanessa has been married to Prince Charming since 2007 and is Mommy to three bouncy boys. She spends her days enforcing nap time, avoiding laundry, and setting off the fire alarm.
I really love this Vanessa. I felt like I sat down to a feast.
So beautiful. Thank you.