Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks of dispelling and hushing our fears:
“Hushing our fears implies that they may not be totally eliminated, but they can be quieted and controlled. “Fear is dispelled through a correct knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. . . .Correct knowledge and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace. He declared, ‘Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23). . . .
“Can we hush fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is and unequivocal yes, Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives: (1) look to Christ (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ.”18
Hushing our fears is the first step in finally being able to cast them out with the perfect love in Christ.
How does this happen? As we spiritually learn of Him and His eternal gifts to us, we feel His love for us. We love Him. “We love Him because He first loved us.”19 That love engenders hope and faith in Him and His Atonement. We receive His power to help change our lives. We realize that He not only can forgive our sins, but He will forgive our sins as we more fully come unto Him. Nephi’s counsel comes alive in us: “Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”20 And we “pray unto Father with all the energy of heart, that we [may be filled with the pure love of Christ], which He hath bestowed upon all who are the true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.”21 ~see Elder Bednar’s complete talk at “Therefore, They Hushed Their Fears.”
