Doubt Not, Fear Not

Today was Ward Conference & I am so grateful that I was able to attend & even more grateful that I actually heard enough to learn something!

The combined Priesthood/RS meeting was fabulous. A few thoughts:

D&C 6:32-37 (emphasis added)

32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them - even so am I in the midst of you.
When any two persons are gathered together in prayer for the same cause we are
promised revelation from the Lord.
33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways & sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands & feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Our Stake President outlined it as this:
First, we gather together in prayer, or counsel & he emphasized parents regarding their children. Then we receive personal revelation. The Lord in these verses reassures us, doubt not, fear not. Then we perform the task -- whatever inspiration we've received. Again, doubt not, fear not. In verse 37 the Lord refers to the wounds in His sides, hands & feet. What does that have to do with receiving revelation? If we look back we know that there was a Grand Council in Heaven where we were gathered in prayer & a Savior was called. In verse 37 the Lord is again reassuring us, almost saying, "Look at my hands & feet. I was called & I was chosen & I did the work of my Father." If I put myself in the position of the Savior I am sure I would have needed the constant reassurance of doubt not, fear not in order to perform that particular task. Sometimes the revelation we receive may sound frightening to us, but we must trust in the Lord. I loved this outline & interpretation of scripture.

I was sitting next to my dad during the lesson & he leaned over to whisper that these particular scriptures are just for parents & I suppose he his correct. We sat as a family in the Grand Council of Heaven under the direction of our Heavenly Father, gathered in prayer for the same cause. Revelation was given & the task was performed with soberness. It makes perfect sense that we would then run & conduct our own families here on earth in that same pattern.

I am grateful for inspired leaders who lead & guide the work of the Lord. I am grateful for quiet moments when the Spirit is able to whisper thoughts & ideas into my heart. I need to create more opportunities for that.

1-28-08: I have reflected more on this since posting...I was thinking about why this struck me as it did. I realized that the principle & concept are nothing new, but the angle was. My favorite part about this understanding is the sweetness & the reality of our relationship with Christ. I love that it is Christ communicating his understanding of our doubts & fears and it is Him that is reassuring.