Set Forth into the Sea...

 I read a passage of scripture today which I had read dozens of times previously.  This time, however, based on the context of my present life, the words became new to me.  DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS?  Fresh insights flooded my mind and spirit.

The story is of a family who wants to find the promised land, an ocean away.  They have built some barges under the direction of the Lord.  They have come up with some creative lighting options (glowing stones which have been touched by the Lord), and they are one their way.  I will comment in red below...

 2 For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels.
Jared had the idea to offer stones to the Lord to light.  The Lord touched these stones, which became lights for them in their boats.  The Lord has power to light up our lives and help us see in a world filled with darkness.

 3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.
The Lord gives this light to all children, regardless of age or gender.

 4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.
I love the last part of this!  We must "set forth" in the voyages of our lives, even though we cannot see what is ahead.  If we "commend ourselves" to the Lord, he will protect us in this journey of life.

 5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.
Sometimes He lets the storms blow.  Sometimes it takes a strong wind to move us and keep us from becoming comfortable and growth-free!

 6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
At times we may feel absolutely buried as we travel along!  

 7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
Although I know the experiences of this life can be so overwhelming,  there is such surety and safety in following Christ.  Even when the world is encroaching all around us and threatening to seep into our homes, we can be safe and protected if we maintain our standards.  We can even "come out on top"!

 8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.
Just when we get comfortable, more winds will come, pushing us toward new destinations.  From Thomas S. Monson:

       "Were it not for challenges to overcome and problems to solve, we would remain much as we are, with little or no progress toward our goal of eternal life."

 

Thomas S. Monson, October 2013 General Conference

 

 9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.
It is possible, and good, to be thankful in the midst of trial!  From President Uchtdorf:

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.

This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2014 General Conference
 

 10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.
 This makes me think of the scripture in 1 Thessalonians 5:5

" Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

 11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.
For almost a year they were in these barges!  That would get old, really fast.  Sometimes it seems that we will have the problems of mortality forever.  I think of these scriptures when I need comfort:

 1 Corinthians 2:9

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

Doctrine and Covenants 58:3

"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation."

God looks down on us with loving watchfulness as we journey along.  He has great things prepared for us to experience after our mortal journey, thanks be to the Savior!  
 

 12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

I KNOW that one day I will bow down before the Lord, shedding tears of joy "because of the multitude of his tender mercies" over me.  He has saved me, blessed me, carried me and loved me all my days.  I am forever indebted to him for his kindness and constant care!