This world is in a tragic state of suffering. Sin has wreaked havoc with the lives of every soul on this earth and we must deal with the anguish and the sorrow. But there is only one who truly can take our sorrow away. In fact, He promises that even while in the midst of our tragic state we can still feel the joy of redemption and be filled with His peace.

The Atonement Covers Our Sin

Yes, we make mistakes, sometimes we choose evil over good, and relishing in our weaknesses is often easier than overcoming them. But, ultimately, we will have to face the sins we have committed in our lives unless we turn to the Savior and give our sins to Him.

Remember King Lamoni’s father, who is ready to kill his own son for being friends with Ammon, a Nephite. Ammon stays his hand and says, “Behold, thou shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than thee, for behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved” (Alma 20:17).

King Lamoni is free from all his sins because of his desire to repent. His father is later taught by Aaron. Eventually, he also gains enough understanding to exclaim, “What shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?” (Alma 22:15).

The Atonement Heals Our Hearts

It is a fact that everyone suffers grief. Life is unkind and tragedy engulfs us to our very core. There are many proclaimed experts who urge us to own our grief, talk about it, even wallow in it, but few offer the words that will truly heal our grief. I have learned that the scriptures offer the words of healing that can only come from the Savior. Jesus said, “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).

Do we truly believe that “He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4)? That “He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people” (Alma 7:11-12)? It’s essential that we really believe the scriptures and what they say. Pondering these words will bring us the healing we seek.

The Power of the Atonement

As I study the atonement, I realize that my little brain simply can’t comprehend its power. Tad R. Callister offered us an idea of the scope of the Atonement’s incomparable power: “Sometimes He removes the affliction, sometimes He strengthens us to endure, and sometimes He gives us an eternal perspective to better understand [our afflictions’] temporary nature” (GC April 2019). Jesus Christ has the power to cover every possible scenario because He has descended below all things (see D&C 88:6).

Peace

Once we find peace that only Jesus Christ can give, we can share our testimonies with others. Boyd K. Packer says,

“All that has been printed or preached or sung or built or taught or broadcast has been to the end that men and women and children can know the redeeming influence of the Atonement of Christ in their everyday lives and be at peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). (GC, April 2001.)

Years ago, Russell M. Nelson exclaimed, “I weep for joy when I contemplate the significance of it all. To be redeemed is to be atoned” (GC, Oct. 1996).

Those who experience this magnificent gift of sacrifice feel compelled to testify in humble words. Hymns also offer words of testimony, as well as simply feeling the peaceful flow of melodious sounds. One of my favorite hymns offers these words:

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, … omnipotent hand. …

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

(How Firm a Foundation, Hymn No. 85.)

I often can’t get through that final verse before the tears begin to fall. Anyone who has experienced the atonement in their lives feels these words deeply.

Recently, Gerard Causse teamed up with Nicolas Guisti to play a duet of Where Can I Turn for Peace, one of our beautiful hymns (#129). I am not being paid to advertise but feel that sharing their discussion on how this duet came about fits well with this post. Even in the midst of any sorrow we experience, we can feel the joy of the atonement in our lives when we come unto Jesus Christ.

This is where you can hear “Where Can I Turn For Peace” played by Bishop Causse and Nicolas Guisti