One of my companions on my mission, Sister Johnson, loved this hymn. In the past several days, it's been running through my head and I want to share some of the verses I find most inspiring:
Verse 3 "Fear not, I am with thee, o be not dismayed... for I am thy God, and will still give the aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.
Verse 5 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Verse 7 "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I cannot desert to his foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never no never...I'll never, no NEVER, I'll never, no, never, no never forsake." (LDS Hymnal, 85)
I've thought a bit about my pioneer ancestry, men and women of deep faith who gave all their worldly possessions to do what's right. I can't imagine facing the physical and emotional trials they did... but I am grateful for their sacrifice, that I might grow up in a free land, able to worship my God according to revealed truths. I know that God does not and will not forsake us. If ever we feel distant from Him, we have forsaken Him. I know Christ understands perfectly every trial we face, and I especially like the phrase in this hymn that His only design it to refine us. I know that to be true. I know in the past I've been overwhelmed by certain trials, but this knowledge -- that there is something to learn in any trial, and we can endure it well if we'll turn to Him -- has been a great strength to me.
So, if you're struggling, remember, He's there. He knows you better than you know yourself, and He will never forsake you or leave you comfortless.
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