The long, dark, cold winter night pressed upon the man like a vise.
His head was heavy and his thinking clouded like a fog behind his eyes.
“So this is what despair looks like” he said as understanding came to his mind.
The gloom had pushed hope aside and left faith lagging far behind.
Despair has many companions that can be likewise devastating.
Grief, depression, anxiety, anguish and distress can be equally debilitating.
He was in a situation that he thought had no escape.
It was an agonizing feeling, that it was all too late.
He wanted to go back in time and make wrong things right.
That was not an option, so despair held him tight.
The only thing that could save him now was the benevolence of God
and he yearned that grace could be applied despite his many flaws.
It then occurred to him that Jesus too must have felt great despair–
in a way that mankind cannot begin to comprehend or be aware.
That is precisely why Christ can succor us in our time of need-
as He alone experienced our anguish in Gethsemane.
In the garden, his agony so great that his blood fell like rain,
taking upon himself all of our sins, afflictions and pains. (Luke 22: 42)
In his final hour on the cross when the heavens were silent and The Father withdrew–
perhaps that was the greatest feeling of being forsaken that the
Redeemer of the world ever knew.
During his mortal ministry He would know rejection, persecution and betrayal.
He would experience the isolation of abandonment and apostolic denial.
He alone has paid the price, that we may not suffer,
if we but only repent and seek to be better. (D&C 19: 16-19)
The Savior’s sacrifice would not be in vain, as this man would partake of His grace.
His burdens were lifted, the veil was parted, and his despair exited in great haste.
Despair would likely visit again and take up residence for a time.
But as long as hope, faith and trust in the Lord was exercised he knew he would receive relief from the power of the divine.
We can be assured that relief can come, the darkness will disappear,
the sun will shine again in our soul and everything will be made clear.
"Come and I will give you rest”, is His promise to those heavy laden,
When we are yoked to him the blessings will come, and our burdens will be lightened.
October 2022
Alma 7: 11-12 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Matthew 11: 28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
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