David A. Bednar on overcoming fear through Christ's peace

Elder David A. Bednar (b. 1952) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"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).

"Trust and confidence in Christ and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace lead to hope, through His Atonement, in the Resurrection and eternal life (see Moroni 7:41). Such faith and hope invite into our lives the sweet peace of conscience for which we all yearn. The power of the Atonement makes repentance possible and quells the despair caused by sin; it also strengthens us to see, do, and become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. Truly, one of the great blessings of devoted discipleship is 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7).

"The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness (see Colossians 1:23) that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination. Thus, we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives. His ordinances and covenants fortify and comfort in times both good and bad. And His priesthood authority gives assurance that the things that matter most can endure both in time and in eternity."

- David A. Bednar, "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears," Ensign, May 2015, pp. 46-49
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Elder Bednar's talk is based on an incident recorded in Mosiah 23:27–28 during which a group of Nephites were greatly frightened by an enemy army threatening them. But with reassurance and encouragement from their prophet-leader Alma, they "hushed their fears" and were able to confront the situation. It's a beautiful, clear message about the power of faith in the midst of opposition. We all seek for that "enduring peace" that is possible only when "correct knowledge" joins with "faith in the Lord."

Through the strength that comes through Christ, we find "spiritual settledness" because "His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives." How critical is the Savior's invitation to us:  "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). I love the powerful, active verbs: learn, listen walk. Once we do our part, then we find peace in Him.

Howard W. Hunter on the Lord's promise of "heavenly help"

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"All of us face times in our lives when we need heavenly help in a special and urgent way. We all have moments when we are overwhelmed by circumstances or confused by the counsel we get from others, and we feel a great need to receive spiritual guidance, a great need to find the right path and do the right thing. In the scriptural preface to this latter-day dispensation, the Lord promised that if we would be humble in such times of need and turn to him for aid, we would 'be made strong, and [be] blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.' (D&C 1:28.) That help is ours if we will but seek it, trust in it, and follow what King Benjamin, in the Book of Mormon, called 'the enticings of the Holy Spirit.' (Mosiah 3:19.)

"Perhaps no promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and spiritual guidance in times of need. It is a gift freely given from heaven, a gift that we need from our earliest youth through the very latest days of our lives."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Blessed From On High," Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 59
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I certainly know about those times in life "when we need heavenly help in a special and urgent way." President Hunter is right that such times come to us all, eventually, to some degree. It helps immensely if we are comfortable and familiar with the process of how to "receive spiritual guidance" already. Then we need only to "be humble" and "turn to him" in our sincerity.

I know that the promised help, what President Hunter calls the most reassuring promise of all, is real and is truly a gift from God.

Jeffrey R. Holland on the power and blessing of the Savior's Atonement

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (b. 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Prophesying of the Savior’s Atonement, Isaiah wrote, 'He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows' (Isaiah 53:4). A majestic latter-day vision emphasized that '[Jesus] came into the world ... to bear the sins of the world' (D&C 76:41). Both ancient and modern scripture testify that 'he redeemed them, and bore them, and carried them all the days of old' (D&C 133:53; see also Isaiah 63:9). A favorite hymn pleads with us to 'hear your great Deliv’rer’s voice!' (“Israel, Israel, God Is Calling,” Hymns, no. 7.)

"Bear, borne, carry, deliver. These are powerful, heartening messianic words. They convey help and hope for safe movement from where we are to where we need to be—but cannot get without assistance. These words also connote burden, struggle, and fatigue—words most appropriate in describing the mission of Him who, at unspeakable cost, lifts us up when we have fallen, carries us forward when strength is gone, delivers us safely home when safety seems far beyond our reach. 'My Father sent me,' He said, 'that I might be lifted up upon the cross; ... that as I have been lifted up ... even so should men be lifted up ... to ... me.' (3 Nephi 27:14.)"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Behold Thy Mother," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 47-50
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Elder Holland identifies some "Messianic words"— "Bear, borne, carry, deliver" — strong verbs that convey a tender meaning. I've never considered the thought of a Messianic word; a very interesting concept. And the power in those words lies in their ability to bless us; to bring hope, help, and progress, for all things we are unable to do for ourselves, but cannot do without assistance.

What a powerful testimony of a loving Redeemer!

The beauty of this excerpt is that Elder Holland then goes on to talk, in a most tender tribute, about how mothers act in the same spirit to bless lives.

Robert D. Hales on the Lord's help in our trials and temptations

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"One of the purposes of the scriptures is to show us how righteous people respond to temptation and evil. In short, they avoid it! Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39). Lehi took his family and left Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 2). Mary and Joseph fled into Egypt to escape Herod’s wicked plot (see Matthew 2). In every instance, Heavenly Father warned these believers.

"Similarly, He will help us know whether to fight, flee, or go with the flow of our unfolding circumstances. He will speak to us through prayer, and when we pray, we will have the Holy Ghost, who will guide us. We have the scriptures, the teachings of living prophets, patriarchal blessings, the counsel of inspired parents, priesthood and auxiliary leaders, and, above all, the still, small voice of the Spirit.

"The Lord will always keep His promise: 'I will lead you along' (D&C 78:18). The only question is, will we let ourselves be led? Will we hear His voice and the voice of His servants?

"I testify that if you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you (see D&C 88:63). If you love Him and keep His commandments, you will have His Spirit to be with you and guide you. 'Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.... By this shall you know, all things... pertaining unto things of righteousness' (D&C 11:12, 14)."

- Robert D. Hales, "Meeting the Challenges of Today's World," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 44-47
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Elder Hales teaches us to ponder how we respond to temptation and evil. Often, the most appropriate response is to "flee" — do all we can to avoid the problem. But there are times when we might be inspired to "fight" instead, confronting a circumstance. Only through proper channels of guidance and inspiration can such a decision be properly made.

But the eternally reassuring thing is that we never have to deal with challenges alone. God has promised His help and support, if we are willing to receive it.

"If you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you." That's a wonderful promise!

M. Russell Ballard on the joyful Sabbath Day

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"The recent emphasis of making the Sabbath a delight is a direct result of inspiration from the Lord through the leaders of the Church....

"All of us are blessed when the Sabbath is filled with love for the Lord at home and at church. When our children are taught in the ways of the Lord, they learn to feel and to respond to His Spirit. We will all desire to attend each Sunday to partake of the sacrament when we feel the Spirit of the Lord. And all, young and old, who are carrying heavy burdens will feel the spiritual uplift and comfort that comes from a Sabbath day of devoted contemplation of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Thankfully, Christ is always near, waiting and willing to help us when we pray for help and are willing to repent and come unto Him."

- M. Russell Ballard, "God is at the Helm," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 24-27
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What a blessing the Sabbath day is — truly a gift from God to man! And like all gifts, it can be received or ignored. Elder Ballard mentions several ways we actively receive that gift. When "the Sabbath is filled with love for the Lord" then we are richly blessed.

I particularly like the statement, "And all, young and old, who are carrying heavy burdens will feel the spiritual uplift and comfort that comes from a Sabbath day of devoted contemplation of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." I have truly felt that, and am grateful for the blessings that come when the gift of the Sabbath is received. How blessed we are that "Christ is always near" when we are willing to invite Him into our lives!

Dallin H. Oaks on strength from Christ to heal or to endure

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus explained that He was sent 'to heal the brokenhearted' (Luke 4:18). The Bible often tells us of His healing people 'of their infirmities' (Luke 5:15; 7:21). The Book of Mormon records His healing those 'that were afflicted in any manner' (3 Nephi 17:9). The Gospel of Matthew explains that Jesus healed the people 'that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses' (Matthew 8:17).

"Isaiah taught that the Messiah would bear our 'griefs' and our 'sorrows' (Isaiah 53:4). Isaiah also taught of His strengthening us: 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee' (Isaiah 41:10).

"Thus, we sing:
   Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
   For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
   I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, …
   Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
   ('How Firm a Foundation,' Hymns, no. 85.)

"Speaking of some of his own mortal challenges, the Apostle Paul wrote, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13).

"And so we see that because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor—to help—every mortal pain and affliction. Sometimes His power heals an infirmity, but the scriptures and our experiences teach that sometimes He succors or helps by giving us the strength or patience to endure our infirmities."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 61-64
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The message of the Savior's gospel is one of healing: of "infirmities" as well as the heart, our sorrows and our mourning. I love that reassuring, hope-filled, faith-filled verse from "How Firm a Foundation" that is drawn almost word-for-word from Isaiah's declaration. And what can match Paul's ringing witness of his confidence in help:

So the divine help is offered to all of us, to heal and to help. This second perspective of succoring through trials is also faith-affirming:

We don't get to choose whether we are healed, or whether we are strengthened to endure for a season. But the eventual outcome will be the same!

Russell M. Nelson on the need for faithful, converted, courageous women

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Attacks against the Church, its doctrine, and our way of life are going to increase. Because of this, we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use that understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve.

"My dear sisters, nothing is more crucial to your eternal life than your own conversion. It is converted, covenant-keeping women—women like my dear wife Wendy—whose righteous lives will increasingly stand out in a deteriorating world and who will thus be seen as different and distinct in the happiest of ways.

"So today I plead with my sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward! Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God—more than you ever have before.... And I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that as you do so, the Holy Ghost will magnify your influence in an unprecedented way!"

- Russell M. Nelson, "A Plea to My Sisters," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 95-97
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President Nelson gave a wonderful talk addressed to the women of the Church in the recent conference, sharing some expectations and challenges with them. In this segment, he foresaw increasing opposition to the Church and its doctrines as the difference between the approaches of world and the Church becomes more clear. His was a call for women to rise up with intelligence and spirit as defenders of the truth, as teachers of youth, and as examples of righteousness. I am blessed to know many women who are living examples of the actions and spirit President Nelson hopes all will exemplify.

So much depends on personal conversion and the subsequent actions of discipleship. "It is converted, covenant-keeping women... whose righteous  lives will increasingly stand out in a deteriorating world and who will thus be seen as different and distinct in the happiest of ways."