To Whom Shall We Look

To Whom Shall We Look?

By: Jacob Sok

(From June 18th 2014-)

From sleep's deep embrace I was awoken to the sound of an early morning alarm. That piercing sound shot past my ears and went straight to my heart; as it was not going to be a typical morning. On this particularity rain and clouded morning my family and I piled into the car, enveloped in the stillness of  daylight yet to break, we drove to airport. Not much was said in the car, maybe a few jaunts and teasing gestures common to light-hearted family small talk- mainly presented by myself to provide a rather superficial shield in hopes of preventing any to see past the facade of what was really my hesitant and nervous heart. It was on that wet summer morn, that I was about to embark on a two year service mission to South America. While I truly had a desire to go and made the decision to do so with much sincerity, I still felt incapacitated by inadequacy and fear. 

The simple and calm talk of the car was suddenly broken simultaneously as I felt the wheels of the vehicle come to a parking position.With bags unloaded and ticketing all accounted for, I was escorted by my family to the security checking station where our final goodbyes were to be exchanged. As I tried to prepare for the coming moment- I noted that each hug from each family member began to grow in length, it would prove to be futile efforts on my part, trying to prevent the coming separation. To my surprise my composer was maintained and I turned towards the security corridor rather calm. As a mass drew towards the rear of my position; flanking me from either side, my family was cut off from my view. It was in that moment- I felt a intense loneliness that I had not known prior. 

Due to the curvature of the line that held me captive, an unexpected break in the sea of people presented itself and along with it, to my surprise, a view of my family still standing their waving goodbye. My heart sank as I felt already starved of their company. I tried to wave back in manner that would preserve the connection for as long as possible. As that my eyes trailed those of my family, my gaze suddenly became fixed on my mother who stood boldly in what would be the last spot with proximity to my visual. I saw in that last second so much light and love beaming from her face; I wanted nothing more to than to remain there forever. The embers of that hope were instantly drenched by the pouring rain of  my final view of them being abruptly taken. Now absolutely consumed by what seemed to be an endless array of faceless people, I distinctly remember a solemn static begin to cloud my sense of the moment and for the first time breach in my superficial composer- with a nervous quiver of my lower lip and the start of tears that seemed to come from my very center. Just then a firm and inviting voice of a gentleman ahead of me in line broke the static of my solitude and said warmly "Where'er you going Elder?" Like the scratch of vinyl record I felt all the clouds disperse and deep loneliness leave in flash. I muttered a slightly less than audible response to his inquiry and the man nodded and heading to his plane slipped from my view. As I walked away from that brief conversation I felt instantly strengthened and excited for what lie ahead; that simple question awoke in me a remembrance of what was going on and allowed my focus to turn from that of grief to a happy imagining of where I was going and more importantly would we be there along side me.  

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This personal experience while it may not seem like much to some, has left a lasting impact on me. I remember later that day constantly reflecting on what had just happened. Two things struck me; one a deep gratitude for that random stranger who I know was heaven sent, to with one simple question minister a much needed hope and sense of direction unto me. He will never know what that meant to me, but I thanked heaven for him. The second thing I took away from that experience was the question itself "Where'er you going?"- This question has served as a seed of much thought, and if I may, use it as a foundation for a simple message that I was reminded of this week. 

There is much to be disused when considering the significance of applying the question of "where are we going?", to life. But what happened over the course of time, in my heart, because of this question- has been a blessing and strength to me. 

Reflecting on that experience I could not help but remember the stark contrast in dark to light - despair to joy that occurred. As I truly began to contemplate where I was going my thoughts turned heavenward; I was going to go participate in the work of the Lord, I knew that great opportunities were coming my way, I was also reminded my family was going to be watched out for and protected and we would be reunited in due time. 

With some slight alteration to this poignant question I would ask, "To whom are we going?" The more I chose to dedicate my attention and faith to this gospel, the more I reminded that as we strive to remember where we are going or to whom we need to look; we invite power and direction into our lives. It is to easy to be, as I was, consumed by the loneliness of life; be it physical or emotional, and especially spiritual- it comes to all of us. Times when we the rug of stability has been taken out from under our feet. I have come to understand that this occurs when we begin to turn our gaze away from the things that matter most, namely the person that matters most in our lives. 

I try my best to testify of healing grace and heaven's aid because it is not an idea of the frenzied mind but very real. However, I often forget that probably the first step in rooting oneself in those comforts is a reminder of where we should look; and that is Jesus Christ. 

In the Book of Mormon the Prophet Nephi wrote about a prophesy of an ancient people that seemed to also have troubles with fixing their gaze on or even recognizing the hope in the Savior. In Second Nephi Chapter 2 verse 25 we read, "And after they have been scattered ...from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind and when that day shall come that they shall believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah."  The verse depicts the hardship or as it says scattering and scourging, of this people because they went looking for another hope or Messiah. When we get scattered in life, do we look for comfort in the wrong places? Do we put our faith or dedicate our focus in the things that in the end leave us desolate? There is a simple solution.

I pray the spirit may inspire something of what I wish I could express; I also pray that if their be any tone in this narrative that it be one of hope- because in all truthfulness that is all I wish to convey. I testify that Christ is this very hope and the very source we should look to, and head towards.

Nephi prefaces that verse by saying "my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him ...and my heart doth magnify his holy name." because he himself has been a witness of, what the chapter also goes on to describe as, "a marvelous work and a wonder". The wonder is the very work of changing the nature of all mankind; finding heaven on earth and growing in the love of the Lord. He is the source of not only all happiness but is the advocate of our success. 

I remember once working with a group of youth and we were discussing the principle of where we should place our faith. We posed this question of why we tend to have more faith in our phones than we do our Savior. I asked them rather simply; when they have a question on a certain homework assignment, if they had any doubts that they would  be able to find the answer to their research on the internet? They all replied unanimously that it would would be certain and easy to find what they needed via the internet. Then in comparison it was asked if we had that same kind of certain or confidence- if we had a question that we could in lure of turn to the internet turn to God for an answer. "Imagine what we could do if we had as much faith in God; as we do in Google!" 

When Peter in the New Testament asks to come unto the Lord whilst the Savior is walking upon the water, he with his gaze towards Jesus walks on upon the water successfully. However with the raging winds and storms around him I imagine it was hard to keep his gaze fixed on the Savior an he begins to sink. Just then the loving arm of the Savior reaches out-saving him. By taking our focus off the Lord we tend to sink in life as well. I myself, am often tempted to turn my gaze and look for another source of hope; only to find that I have forgotten where I  am going. But gladly Nephi adds to his prophesy a bold testimony in verses 26-27 he explains why we should look to Christ, "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. That they ...may look forward unto that life which is in Christ."    We need not wander we need not guess, Christ will always be the answer and always be there; for His gaze is always fixed on us. I hope that I can pattern my life to one that invites Christ in, so I may always know where to look. 

While many questions and uncertainties unfold in the- day to day, we can take heart in this promise that by placing our faith in and our gaze on the Savior- we will surly find that strength and guide we need to find the happiness that leads us right to our heavenly home. 

My testimony of this truth is that of Nephi's; in verse 23 when he said "We labor diligently to write, to persuade our children and also our brethren, to believe in Christ and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." I know this to be true and I guess you can say it is why I have decided to once more turn my gaze to Jesus Christ; for I have come to know Him and wish to live in manner that will permit me to continue to get to know Him even better. he has been the source of happiness, has taught me where I should go. He is the constant grace of my life. The adversary tries to turn our gaze by making us feel that we don't enough about life or the Savior -- when in reality it's plenty enough just knowing the Savior.

I'll be the first to say that I don't know much--I am getting to know Him. I do know He is the Son of God and The Savior of the world; I love Him and I know He is the why and the how to our reason to rejoice and sing as we often do "How Great Thou Art".  Let simply try this week and from now on to put our focus on things that yield happiness that bring us closer to the Lord. Spend a little more time with the Savior and little less time with our worries and we will begin to see that light we need. He being the Light of the World said "The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single , thy whole body shall be full of light"(3 Nephi 13:22). We are not left in the dark as we strive to keep our eye focused on that perfect Light.

Next time you feel a little lost or don't know where to look- I'd invite you to ponder the simplicity of God's gentle command in the lyrics of one of my favorite songs "What does the Father ask of us, what do the scriptures say; Have faith, have hope, live like His Son. Help others on their way!"  



To further your study on this topic prayerfully consider the following sources:
- 2 Nephi Chapter 25/ 3 Nephi 11 (Book of Mormon)
- "He Sent His Son" (LDS Primary Hymnal)
- Be of Good Cheer; By Thomas S Monson; Prophet (LDS.org/General Conference)


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