Sunday, Sept 23rd

Sis. Amber Johnson was so kind to substitute for our RS lesson today. She taught on the conference talk, Therefore They Hushed Their Fears by Elder Bednar. She started the lesson by engaging us in a "Fear Factor" activity, Relief Society style. The activity quickly reminded us that fear, or being afraid, is a real part of our lives. It can effect us in our relationships, our health, and especially regarding our children and loved ones. Elder Bednar says, "In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension....My purpose is to describe how fear is dispelled through a correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

The prophet Alma teaches us that not even a prophet can hush, or calm, our fears. During Alma's day "he counseled the believer to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow." Elder Bednar teaches, "Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace." In D&C 19:23 we read, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."

We are taught three basic principles in order to hush our fears: 1)Look to Christ, 2) Build upon the foundation of Christ, and 3) Press forward with Faith in Christ. "The peace Christ gives allows us to view mortality through the precious perspective of eternity and supplies a spiritual settledness that helps us maintain a consistent focus on our heavenly destination."

Elder Bendar also teaches us that Fear of the Lord is different from fear of worldly cares. "Unlike wordly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence. . . godly fears dispels mortal fears. It even subdues the haunting concern that we never can be good enough spiritually and never will measure up to the Lord's requirements and expectations. In truth, we cannot be good enough or measure up relying solely upon our own capacity and performance. Our works and desires alone do not and cannot save us. After all we can do (2 Nephi 25:23), we are made whole only through the mercy and grace available through the Savior's infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice."