Inspired Words: Sweet Joy

This morning we made Resurrection Rolls. As I taught my kids about the empty tomb of that first Easter morning, my mind was filled with music.


Last night I sang at a meeting for all the women who are members of the church in our stake, our larger geographic area.  For the last couple weeks we had been practicing an amazing arrangement of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" as a trio with our very competent accompanist.  In the days before I had become really nervous.  The other women had decided to add depth to the song by breaking it up into solos mixed with some sections of harmony.  I cringed at the thought of singing alone.  "My voice isn't strong, I've never been trained, I am a group singer and not a soloist."  These thoughts continued up until the final part of the program, and then my body started breaking down.  I thought I was going to faint, my fingers were tingling, my heart was pounding.


And then these thoughts came to my mind.


"What are the words of your part again?  Go over them one more time.  Liz, you believe those words, every one of them, so much so that they are engraven on your heart.  You know it's true.  Read them right off your very own heart as you sing.  Why would you hold back in singing something that you are so confident about?"


Minutes later, after reviewing the lyrics one last time, I was on the stand with my partners.  My solo was first.  I started, first haltingly, but then with confidence.


"I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives.
He lives, he lives who once was dead.
He lives, my everliving Head."


The song continues. The Savior's resurrection and life makes it possible for him to bless me with his love, plead for me above, feed my hungry soul, bless me in times of need, grant me rich supply, guide me with his eye, comfort me when faint, hear my soul's complaint, grant me daily breath, silence all my fears, wipe away my tears, calm my troubled heart, impart all blessings, prepare our mansion, and take us safely to it.  And more, too.  Much, much more.


It is overwhelming to think about all that the Atonement of Christ makes possible, but I believe it.  Every part of it, so much so that it is engraved on my heart.


I also love these word's from this month's First Presidency message, written by President Thomas S. Monson.  They are inspired.

"Of Him who delivered each of us from endless death, I testify He is a teacher of truth—but He is more than a teacher. He is the exemplar of the perfect life—but He is more than an exemplar. He is the great physician—but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared, “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:4).

“Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’”