Where Can I Turn?

I was thinking about my scripture readings for this past week and struggling to internalize what I had read when one day I had a knock come to my door.  There were two men from a different church wanting to share a message.  I have met one of them before as they come around often and I enjoy chatting with them and talking about the scriptures, usually.

This time felt a little different.  I had been a little worn down by some extra stresses in my life and actually didn't want to answer the door, and then when they shared their message it was about what happens when we die and it felt all wrong.  One of them shared their thoughts on what happens to us when we die and gave many scriptures they thought supported this view and I just stood there.  Finally he asked what I thought about all this and if I would like to hear more.  I said that I actually didn't feel peace with the message they shared.  They kept trying more to convince me by reading more scriptures to me and I still just stood there.  When asked again what I thought, I told them that I am sure in what I believe and don't view those scriptures in the same way.  After they left, I felt overcome with the intensity of the conversation.  I had never been in a situation like that before, where it felt like I was being pushed.

Korihor and Alma

As I reflected on this experience I thought of the chapters I had read in the scriptures about the different teachers from different churches.  There was Korihor who taught against Christ's existence and twisted words of prophets and scripture to fit his his views.  Previous to Korihors coming, there had been a time of peace.  When Alma is talking with this Korihor, Alma says in 30:34 that the gospel is preached because it brought joy into their lives.

Zoramites in their Synagogue

I also thought about the Alma's experience when he went among the Zoramite people and found them worshiping in a strange manner.  He went to help the people do what was right because he feared they would rise up and cause a war.  In Alma 31:5 it says " the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."  Alma had hoped the word of God would have a positive effect on those he went to teach.

This brings me back to my door-step with the two strangers.  They invited me to think about what they had to share.  As I have looked into what they believe, I still don't find the peace and comfort that comes with what I already have and believe.  In my mind I had the question, "where can I find peace that the Lord provides?"  I feel the answer for me has already been found.  I find peace in my heart, I feel light in my mind in the truths I have found in being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint.

Where can I turn for peace?  Only in and through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

I am thankful for learning by study and faith (D&C 88:117) where we can "learn who we are, why we are on this earth, and how we should live in order to enjoy happiness and peace in this life and a fulness of joy in the next." (Gospel Learning)

I know as I listen to the Spirit in my heart I will always be guided to do good and will find peace in my heart, even during turbulent times.

Living Water
By Simon Dewey