Moment: Words of a Hymn Gave Me Rest in the Temple

Contributed By By Jolene Ashworth, Church News contributor

  • 2 January 2014

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

A few years ago I was going through a difficult time. While at the temple looking up at the painting of the Savior, with His arms reaching down, the words from Matthew 11:28 were impressed upon my heart. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Many times since, I have accepted that invitation returning to the temple for guidance. It was no surprise that my latest trial found me at the feet of the Savior once again. After much contemplation I raised my eyes to His picture and these words came to mind: “There is hope smiling brightly before us, and we know that deliv'rance is nigh.”

The words kept playing in my mind, but I couldn’t remember the song. Finally, more words followed—“We doubt not the Lord, nor his goodness. We’ve proved him in days that are past.” The two lines combined kept repeating. “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.” I still could not remember the song.

As I was getting ready to leave, these words came: “The wicked who fight against Zion will surely be smitten at last.” Without a doubt I had proved Him in days past, I had felt of His goodness, and there was every reason to feel hope for deliverance.

At home, I remembered the experience and was writing down the words when my husband asked me what I was doing. I told him I could not remember the song, but it’s one I am very familiar with. He looked at the words I had written and knew right away.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” Of course! I then realized the message I needed—that day—was not about the prophet. That’s why I was unable to remember the title. The words I needed to hear were of hope, deliverance, and the proven goodness of the Lord. He had given me rest once again.

Jolene Ashworth is a member of the Ridgecrest Ward, Layton Utah Northridge Stake.

 

  Listen