“Blessed from on High,” Friend, Nov. 1989, inside front cover
Blessed from on High
(Adapted from an October 1988 general conference address. See Ensign, November 1988, pages 59–61.)
All of us face times in our lives when we need heavenly help. The Lord has promised that if we will be humble in such times of need and turn to Him for aid, we will “be made strong, and [be] blessed from on high” (D&C 1:28).
Perhaps no promise in life is more reassuring than that promise of divine assistance and spiritual guidance in times of need. Let me give you an example of just such a struggle.
Elisha, a prophet, seer, and revelator, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his army of Elisha’s prophetic interference. The record reads:
“Therefore [the king of Syria] sent … thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.”
The odds were staggering. It was an old man and a boy against what looked like the whole world. Elisha’s young companion was fearful and cried, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” And Elisha’s reply? “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” But there were no others with the old man and his young companion. From what source could their help possibly come?
Then Elisha turned his eyes heavenward, saying, “Lord, I pray thee, open [the boy’s] eyes, that he may see.” And, we read, “the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (See 2 Kgs. 6:14–17.) The Lord had sent His hosts from heaven to protect them.
In the gospel of Jesus Christ we have help from on high. I testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ. God does live and imparts to us His Spirit. In facing life’s problems and meeting life’s tasks, may we all claim that gift from God our Father and find spiritual joy, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.