Cast off that Cloud of Darkness

 
One of the most beloved hymns among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet. Although it starts as expressing gratitude for having a living prophet today, the focus of the hymn is an expression of gratitude for many blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we might all enjoy today. The second verse of this hymn is one of hope, expressing faith in the Lord even in times of great peril or tumult:

Dark Clouds of Trouble

When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er us

And threaten our peace to destroy,

There is hope smiling brightly before us,

And we know that deliv’rance is nigh.

We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.

We’ve proved him in days that are past.

The wicked who fight against Zion

Will surely be smitten at last.1

 All of us experience times of darkness in our lives. That darkness threatens to hide the light of Jesus Christ. It threatens to prevent us from seeing that light. I think about the Lamanites who witnessed Nephi and Lehi shining in the darkness. They wanted to have the "cloud of darkness . . . removed from overshadowing" them. At this time, Aminadad taught them to "repent, and cry unto [God], even until [they received] faith in Christ."2 He promised that the cloud of darkness would be removed from them. We can also have that same promise in our lives.

I have thought about this experience a few times in my life. These people were instructed to pray until they received faith in Christ. Often, we think that faith precedes prayer. We can strengthen our faith by turning to God in prayer, though. I am certainly grateful for this blessing that I have experienced in my life.

Jesu! the very thought is sweet!

In that dear Name all heart-joys meet;

But more than honey sweeter far

The glimpses of His presence are.

No word is sung more sweet than this:

No name is heard more full of bliss;

No thought brings sweeter comfort nigh,

Than Jesus, Son of God most high.

Jesu! the hope of souls forlorn!

How good to them for sin that mourn!

To them that seek Thee, O how kind!

But what art Thou to them that find?

Jesu, Thou sweetness, pure and blest,

Life's Fountain, Light of souls distressed,

Surpassing all that heart requires,

Exceeding all that soul desires!

No tongue of mortal can express,

No letters write His blessedness,

Alone who hath Thee in his heart

Knows, love of Jesus! what Thou art.

Alone who hath Thee in his heart

Knows, love of Jesus! what Thou art.3

The eternal nature of our testimony is one of the few possessions we can take with us when we leave this mortal life. We must remain valiant in our testimony. We don't have to do this on our own, however. We can rely on our Savior to strengthen and uphold us during those times of trouble and turmoil.

We have three steps we can follow to achieve this:

• Continuously learn of Him.

• Place our trust in him and not become discouraged.

• Ensure we meet our earthly trials well, place our faith in Him.

References

1. Fowler, William, and Caroline Sheridan Norton. “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” HYMNS, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT, 1985, No. 19.
2. “Helaman 5.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/5?lang=eng.
3. Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint. “Jesus, the Very Thought Is Sweet.” Translated by J. M. Neale, Hymnary.org, https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_the_very_thought_is_sweet.