Hear Him to Find Peace During Turbulent Times – President Nelson

Dear Friends and Members:

During this time of continued isolation, we need to understand how to remain physically distant while staying socially, emotionally connected.  Each one of us has experienced this pandemic in similar ways. 

Think about this. 

This is the only time in history where everyone in the world is experiencing the same things at the same time.  This pandemic has affected every human being around the world in a similar fashion.  Altogether we have felt the limiting effects of wearing a mask.  Altogether we have felt the increasing fear of what might be coming or fear of the future.  We have together witnessed the social withdraw from society as our youth have experienced isolation while at school, isolation from large social interactions, and isolation from individual social relationships.  All mankind is experiencing this pandemic.  I’m reminded that we are social beings and “It is not good for man to be alone.”

In an Area Priesthood Leadership meeting, held on Saturday, January 23rd, Elder Ballard encouraged us as Bishops to, as sons and daughters, gather together to:

• Put your arm around your loved ones and thank them for their support.  If you are single please place your arm around your Father in Heaven because he is close, He loves you.
• He expressed, we have a duty to watch over our own and the whole world. 
• He blessed us that we will fill with his love and feel strengthened in our work.
• He pleaded with us to turn to your Heavenly Father about your troubles, in your prayers, and lean on him. 
• He testified Jesus Christ loves you, this is his church and he watches over it and is close.
• He requested we return and report through payer, expressing gratitude for the blessings and miracles in our lives.
• He wants us to understand our own way of how we “Hear Him.”

In my study of our Sunday School Lessons, I have found much peace in reading the Doctrine Covenants this past week.  Especially Section 6. 

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as ^atouching ^bone thing, behold, there will I be in the ^cmidst of them—even so am I in the ^dmidst of you.

33 ^aFear not to do ^bgood, my sons, for whatsoever ye ^csow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow ^dgood ye shall also reap good for your ^ereward.

34 Therefore, fear not, little ^aflock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are ^bbuilt upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and ^asin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.

36 ^aLook unto me in every ^bthought; ^cdoubt not, fear not.

D&C 6:32-37

As we learn how to gather together the Lord will be in the midst of us.  We need not fear, come what may.

We have so much to be grateful for.  I’m grateful for my wife and family.  I’m thankful for the Lord preparing a path for me to start my new second career.  I’m grateful to him for the illnesses I have experienced over this past year because of the truth that was found by the experience.  I recognize my shortcomings but know that the Lord accepts me for who I am now, yet encourages me to better myself by reaching out to others. 

I have seen so many discouraged and ready to give up.  In their time of despair, I have seen the comforting and healing influence of the spirit touch their lives because their hearts are tender and soft.  I testify that the Lord is using this pandemic/social isolation to soften the hearts of man, so they can see truth and light in the Savior of all mankind. 

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into ^adivers ^btemptations;

3 Knowing this, that the ^atrying of your faith worketh ^bpatience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be ^aperfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 1:2-4

Let us “look unto” Him “in every thought, doubt not, fear not.”  Knowing that he is “watching over us and is close.”

I testify that our Savior, Jesus Christ, knows you and I.  He understands the pains of mortality and has overcome it all, that we too might be lifted up and return back to live with him in our father’s mansions.  He loves you and is here to take our burdens from us if we but turn to him.  His atonement is enough for all if we place our fears upon him, we will find comfort.

I love and care for each and every one of you,

• Bishop Jeff Anderson
• Highland 28th Ward
• 801-372-2072
• [email protected]
• Ward Blog: www.highland28th.org

“Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”