From his book ‘Be Not Troubled’, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, teaches:
Since ancient times, fear has limited the perspective of God’s children. I have always loved the account of Elisha in 2 Kings. The king of Syria had sent a legion that “came by night, and compassed the city about” (2 Kings 6:14). Their intent was to capture and kill the prophet Elisha. We read: “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do” (v. 15).
That was fear speaking.
“And [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (v. 16).
But he did’t stop there. “Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And 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” (v. 17), 10-12
We may or may not have chariots of fire sent to dispel our fears and conquer our demons, but the lesson is clear. The Lord is with us, mindful of us and blessing us in ways only He can do. Prayer can call down the strength and revelation that we need to center our thoughts on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, The Lord knew that at times we would feel fear. I have been there and so have you, which is why the scriptures are replete with the Lord’s counsel: “Be of good cheer and do not fear (Doctrine and Covenants 68:60); Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not (Doctrine & Covenants 6:36); and, “Fear not, little flock” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34).
I love the tenderness of “little flock.” In this Church, we may be few in number by the way the world counts influence, but when we open our spiritual eyes, we see that “they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Our loving Shepherd, Jesus Christ, then continues, “Let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34)
How is fear dispelled? How can we “be not troubled”? For the young lad in 2 Kings, a key was to be standing right next to Elisha, a prophet of God. He was in good company. We have that same promise.When we listen to Russell M. Nelson, when we hearken to his counsel, we are standing with a prophet of God. President Nelson has taught: “The more we know about the Savior’s ministry and mission—the more we understand his doctrine and what he did for us—the more we know that He can provide the power we need for our lives” (Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2017). Jesus Christ lives. Our love for Him and His gospel dispels fear. Additionally, our desire to “always have His Spirit” with us (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77) will push fear aside for a more eternal view of our mortal lives. ~Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Be Not Troubled (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2020). 10-12
