Monday, January 30, 2012

Master, the tempest is raging!

There is a lesson that I have had to learn the last few weeks. In the movies, when the hero of the film stops and says to themselves "You know, I really don't think things could get any worse." and then they get hit by a bus or their mother dies: those times really happen. But, I honestly believe that it is in times such as those that we can and must have the most hope. They are the times that we have the most opportunities to grow, to become better people, and to grow closest to our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that, no matter how hard things get, we can always make it out of whatever trials we are experiencing. That is a lesson that I have learned before and that I have had to desperately cling to lately. One thing keeps happening after another and I sometimes wonder how things could have possibly gotten as bad as they have. But, I know that I can make it. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if there is no hint of it in sight at the moment. But, I also know that I don't have to travel this long road alone. In General Conference, April 2009, Elder Jeffry R. Holland said, "because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path--the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel." I hope that that is something that we can all remember, not only in times of trial, but always. Our Savior Jesus Christ sacrificed His life and suffered for our sins and for our sorrows so that we could have companionship during this, our test on Earth. Never forget that He is there for you and that He loves you. He wants to help you and will. Mosiah 24:14 says "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I , the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." 


This hymn has come to mean so much to me and I thought that I would just share a few of the lyrics.
"Master the tempest is raging.
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershoadowed 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?

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,
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 Tempest is Raging

1 comment:

ArtfullyQuaint {Heidi} said...

Sending you lots of <333333 until I can squeeze you in person! You rock Bronwen.. you really do :)

xo