SUMMARY of SUNDAY LESSON, May 24th, 2015

Our Sunday lesson was Elder Bednar's talk from April 2015 General Conference titled, "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears." The lesson was taught by Amy Groves. The following is a summary of the lesson and some of the comments that were made in class. We would welcome all of  you to add any additional thoughts, feelings, experiences, or insights on this topic in the comment section below. We love having the benefit of learning from the diversity of experiences and personalities in our Relief Society!

As we navigate through our modern world, what are some of the fears that you have? 

Elder Bednar stated:

"In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26).

My purpose is to describe how fear is dispelled through a correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I earnestly pray the Holy Ghost will bless each of us as we consider together this important topic."

In Genesis, chapter 3, we read the account of Adam and Eve and the "fall" from the Garden of Eden to the mortal world. After partaking of the fruit and hearing the Lord's voice, what was the first emotion that they felt? (Genesis 3:9-10) How does allowing His children to experience and feel fear help us to grow and progress? What purpose can this emotion play in our spiritual development?

In the Book of Mormon, we read the account of Alma's people who were frightened and fearful of the advancing Lamanite army. In an effort to bring peace, Alma REMINDS the people of an important truth. What was this truth? And how did reminding his people help to strengthen their courage and faith? (Read Mosiah 23:27-28).

Elder Bednar reiterated the following regarding this account:

"Notice Alma did not hush the people’s fears. Rather, Alma counseled the believers to remember the Lord and the deliverance only He could bestow (see 2 Nephi 2:8). And knowledge of the Savior’s protecting watchcare enabled the people to hush their own fears.

Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23)."

Elder Bednar goes on to list 3 ways that will enable us to access the blessing of "hushing the fears that so easily and frequently beset us". They are (1) looking to Christ, (2) building upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) pressing forward with faith in Christ. Take time this week to study each of these 3 sections in Elder Bednar's talk. How can we implement each of these 3 principles in our daily lives and in blessing our families?

Consider the beautiful testimony and promise that Elder Bednar gives us in the conclusion of his talk:

"Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16). I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

CHALLENGE: In your journal, write down some of the fears that you are struggling with. Are there fears that are holding you back or preventing you from moving forward in the direction you desire. Study Elder Bednar's talk. How can you apply his guidance and counsel in addressing your personal fears and concerns?