Talk for Sacrament Meeting, April 18, 2021
I was asked to choose a conference talk from the recent general conference to for my subject matter, and so I chose the one by Elder Uchtdorf entitled God Among Us.
President Uchtdorf began his talk by telling us about his life as a young boy in Germany, and the fear, chaos and uncertainties that his family was faced with because of war and political division. He often said to himself “Is there any hope left in the world?”
We are faced today with similar challenges which test our faith and try our patience. By keeping an eternal perspective and focusing on the things that unite, rather than divide us, we can help to reverse current trends of negativism and hopelessness. Sometimes I marvel at the concept that God has given me everything I need to be happy. By demonstrating that happiness in word and deed, I can make a significant impact in small, but powerful ways. We can find strength for the day and inner peace when we turn ourselves outward, and testify to others that God is Among us.
Speaking of the missionaries that taught his family the gospel, President Uchtdorf said:
“To me, these young men and women were perfect. I am sure they had flaws, but not to me. I will always think of them as being bigger than life—angels of light and glory, ministers of compassion, goodness, and truth.
They had left the safety of their homes half a world away and traveled to Germany—land of their recent enemies—to offer divine hope to our people. They came not to blame, lecture, or shame. They willingly gave of their young lives without thought of earthly gain, wanting only to help others find the joy and peace they had experienced.
While the world was drowning in cynicism, bitterness, hatred, and fear, the example and teachings of those missionaries filled me with hope. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during these difficult times. Their message was that God lived and cared about us, even in these hours of turmoil, confusion, and chaos. That He actually appeared in our time to restore truth and light—His gospel and His Church. That He speaks to prophets again; that God is among us—and is personally involved in our lives and actively guiding His children.
It is so humbling to know that this magnificent and supernal future is possible—not because of who we are but because of who God is.
Knowing this, how could we ever murmur or remain embittered? How could we ever keep our eyes on the ground when the King of kings invites us to take flight into an unimaginable future of divine happiness?5”
In February, of 2012, I stood at the funeral services for my father and spoke these words. “My heart is filled with joy, for I have a testimony that will guide my actions in the days ahead.” How is it that I was able to proclaim joy at a time of such loss and sorrow? It is because ‘joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God.’ No matter the pain, the presence of God brings an assurance of his love, which is, according to Nephi “the most desirable above all things…and the most joyous to the soul. (1 Nephi 11:22-23)
Within a month after my father passed away, our son who was 24 years old died. I prayerfully sought the promised blessings of turning to the only one who could understand. I begged in behalf of myself, by husband, and our children for courage and strength. I was eventually able to place every fear, doubt and question that I had concerning this tragic event and place it at the Saviors feet. The glorious blessings of peace, comfort and the ability to go forward in faith have been made manifest in my life. It is through this experience and other similar triumphs, that I know my Savior lives, and that God is Among us.
Elder Uchtdorf said:
“In our daily life it is our paramount task and blessed opportunity to encounter God.
As we set aside pride and approach His throne with a broken heart and a contrite spirit,30 He will draw near to us.31
As we seek to follow Jesus Christ and walk the path of discipleship, line upon line, the day will come that we will experience that unimaginable gift of receiving a fulness of joy.
My beloved friends, your Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love. He has proven His love in endless ways, but above all by giving His Only Begotten Son as a sacrifice and as a gift to His children to make the return to our heavenly parents a reality.”
There are many things that help me to feel the love of God.
Joseph F. Smith said: “A truly happy person is one who can see and appreciate the beauty with which God ordained the commonplace things of life.”
I love this familiar primary song, which reminds me of this truth.
Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue, blue sky…..
Most of you know that our daughter, recently passed away suddenly.
The assurance that God is there, and that he loves me has been my anchor throughout the past few months. Partaking of his divine love has allowed me to find peace and to be consoled. How to I know that God loves me? I know because he has sent to our home, family, friends and neighbors to sustain us through one of the most difficult things we have ever faced. Meals and food were provided for weeks. Funeral arrangements went smoothly, and a loving Bishop provided blessings and counsel to us. Flowers, calls, cards and encouraging words poured into our home – and still do. It was as if we were literally lifted out of our sorrowful realm and into a place where we could be surrounded by God’s love, and feel it completely.
Jeffrey R. Holland put it this way: “Heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good, and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind. You are those angels. Thank you for your love and for doing what God would have you do.
There will be times when the love of God is all that sustains those who bear the heavy burdens of affliction and languish in the dark pit of despair. I love the comforting words to the Hymn – Come unto Jesus.
. Come unto Jesus, ye heavy laden,
Careworn and fainting, by sin oppressed.
He’ll safely guide you unto that haven
Where all who trust him may rest.
. Come unto Jesus; He’ll ever heed you,
Though in the darkness you’ve gone astray.
His love will find you and gently lead you
From darkest night into day.
Come unto Jesus; He’ll surely hear you,
If you in meekness plead for his love.
Oh, know you not that angels are near you
From brightest mansions above?
Elder Uchtdorf’s promise to us is this: Open your hearts to our Savior and Redeemer, no matter your circumstances, trials, sufferings, or mistakes; you can know that He lives, that He loves you, and that because of Him, you will never be alone.
I testify that your personal security and happiness depend upon the strength of your testimony. I would like to end as I began by saying: My heart is filled with joy, for I have a testimony that will guide my actions in the days ahead. May we continue to lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that God is Among us, is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen