Scripture Power

I was reading my scriptures tonight when some verses really stuck out to me.

As many may know, my Grandpa Peterson passed away a few days ago. My parents flew Luke and I down for the funeral. I was genuinely happy for my Grandpa. I was happy that he had graduated from mortality and that he would be reunited with those who had gone before. I was happy for him. So, I guess that's why it came as a bit of a shock to me when I walked into the chapel for the funeral and a whole slew of emotions powered through me. It was difficult for me to not loose it right there in front of everyone.

At a "Mormon" funeral (perhaps all funerals), it is customary for those in attendance to stand as the family members of the deceased make their way to their reserved rows. It's a gesture of respect, compassion, and sympathy--and this action alone speaks volumes of love to me for whatever reason. I suddenly remembered walking somewhere behind Michelle and Jaron, while many people stood for us, that August day a few years ago. So, last week, when I walked into the chapel, and I heard the beautiful instrumental music (Abide with Me), I was taken back to that chapel in Utah. Memories of the tender mercies of the Lord that were experienced and expressed during that time came to the forefront of my mind. I was filled with a knowledge of the lessons that I had already learned--that Jesus lives, and so will we and those we love. I felt some sadness and longing, but I also felt like rejoicing as my spirit was reminded of those tender feelings and impressions. I realized, yet again, what so many of us know--that Heaven is close--that Heavenly Father loves his children--that He is aware of us during our times of struggle and heartache--that those who have gone before, are the unseen angels helping us through our earthly journey. Yes, all of these impressions were communicated to my spirit on that short walk to my seat. I found myself praying that I'd be able to maintain my composure so that I'd be able to sing the special musical number.

As I was reading my scriptures tonight, a few verses really stuck with me. Just before Jesus was to be taken, he spoke with his followers. And, in an effort to comfort them, as he knew they would sorrow over the events that would take place, he speaks the following words (found in John 16):

19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

The next verse was the perfect analogy for me. I know the verse in Isiah 49, where the Lord uses the analogy of a woman's love for her child as a way of showing us that he will not forget us...


15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

But, I have never noticed how the Lord uses childbirth as a means of another analogy to demonstrate how we may mourn or have sorrow now, but that the end result--in the eternal scheme of things--we will experience joy with parting.

21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

That verse spoke perfectly to me, as an individual, because I understand the pain of childbirth, and I understand the joy of holding that newborn in my arms. I understand how I can sign up for it all over again because the sheer joy of that baby overpowers any anguish or pain that I may have had to experience to get that child here.

Likewise, we sorrow when our loved ones die because we cannot comprehend just how short mortality is. If we could comprehend it, we would see that it's but a small moment, and that many great blessings await us--our joy would be full.

In the next verse, I found four important points. First: the Lord recognizes our sorrow. He understands our inability to always see through our spiritual eyes. He understands our pain. Then, the Lord makes three promises: we will see Him again, we will have joy, and the joy we feel will not be able to be taken away.

22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Did any of this make sense? I tried to write it in a way that would. But, perhaps it was just something I needed to relearn for myself. I am thankful for our Savior. I am thankful for the scriptures. And, I look forward to the day when our Savior will return to this earth to cleanse the world from wickedness.