"Be Still and Know That I Am God."

With the recent tragedy that occurred at a school in Connecticut last week, I would like to write something that I hope will be of comfort to those who were either directly affected, or indirectly affected as they learned of the tragedy and felt the sorrow for those who lost all that day.

I, too, have felt the grief that comes with the unexpected loss of a loved one.  My father died in an accident when I was just eight years old.  Ten years later, my older brother also died on a hiking trip as a scout leader.  It is never easy to lose someone you love, but especially when they are young and still in the prime of their lives.  And while I do not pretend to even be able to comprehend the grief of losing one's child, especially at the hand of another, I would like to share some things that have brought me comfort in my times of sorrow.

As the Savior was preparing his apostles for the time that he should leave them, he left them a special promise that applies to all of us.  In John 14:18 he says, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."  He goes on in verse 27 to say, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

The apostles would soon be witness to the scourging and crucifying of the very Savior of the world.  They would watch Him be tortured, despised, put to an open shame, and ultimately hung on a cross.  There could be no one more pure and innocent than He, yet they would see Him suffer and die.  These men would also be persecuted and killed for His sake after His death.  The Savior knew this as He taught them and yet told them, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  He promised them comfort and peace amidst these horrifying events.

This comfort and peace can only come through Christ and through the Holy Spirit, but as we look to Him, it will come.

In D&C 101:14 & 16 it says, "And all they who have mourned shall be comforted... Therefore, let your hearts be comforted... for all flesh is in my hands; be still and know that I am God."

I love these two verses.   Those who mourn shall be comforted.  In Matt. 5:4, Jesus even says, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."  "Blessed" here means "to be fortunate," "to be happy," or "to be blessed."  How is it possible that we can be fortunate or happy when we mourn?  Because we will be comforted.  Anyone who has felt that sweet spirit of peace and comfort come during their times of sorrow or mourning knows this is true.  Feeling that love and knowing that the Lord is aware of our pain and mindful of us and then feeling His peace and comfort come is a tremendous blessing and does allow one to feel happy and blessed even during trying times.  It can even strengthen us and increase our faith and love for the Lord.

"All flesh is in my hands, be still and know that I am God."  I find such comfort in these words.  The Lord in His infinite wisdom and knowledge knows each of us and knows what we need.  He is in control.  While men have their agency and exercise that agency in ways that may cause others to suffer, ultimately, God knows and nothing will happen that He does not allow.  This may cause some to ask, why would He ever allow such tragedy?  Therein lies the wisdom in the second part of that verse:  "Be still and know that I am God."  In other words, trust Him.  His perspective is infinite and eternal.  His love is without bounds.  In our temporal mortal state, we have such a limited perspective and it is often hard to comprehend the things that happen.  We must remember that all flesh is in His hands.  We must wait patiently on the Lord and know that He is God.  We must put our trust in His ultimate wisdom and know that all things will be for our good as we turn to Him.

Echoing this sentiment, Christ taught in Matt. 10:28-31:  "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."

It always brought me comfort to know that the Lord knows my father and my brother and I believe all things happen under His watchful eye.  As the Lord promised Joseph Smith, "Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less."  As hard as it is for those who are left behind to mourn their loss, we must remember that His perspective of death is much different than ours.  For Him, it is a reuniting, for us a temporary separation.

Therein also lies a source of comfort for me, for I do believe this separation is temporary.  I know that we will once again be reunited with those we love and that we can be together forever.  The Lord is His mercy has provided the way for us to overcome death and live with Him and our loved ones for eternity.  I have always loved D&C 130:2 which says, "And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy."  We will have those same loving relationships which we treasure in this life in the next as well, only they will be even better, because we will also enjoy that eternal glory which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

My advice for all those affected by this and any other loss?  Love the Lord.  Trust Him.  Know that He is in control and loves you more than you can even comprehend.  Seek His peace and comfort which is the only lasting source of such.  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  (Proverbs 3:5-6.)

Do not be afraid.  The Lord tells us throughout the scriptures: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee."  He is with us and has not left us alone.  I love this promise in Isaiah 41:13:  "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."