“Look unto me in every thought… and you shall have peace in me.”

Aug 2009 Issue

By Jonathan H. Westover
After returning home from my mission, I worked in a factory for five months to save up college tuition money. My job was to assemble suspension systems for tractor trailers. In a ten-hour shift I could assemble 30-40 suspension systems and send them on their way to the welders stationed right next to me. The work was tedious and the physical working conditions were poor.

With the tedium and long hours of repetitive work, I had ample time to reminisce on missionary experiences, plan out my vast future, and even practice the Korean missionary discussions in my head. I soon realized I needed a better diversion, and I began to memorize a few new scriptures about the Savior every day. I quickly found that I looked forward to identifying new scriptures each night before bed and then running through them in my head, over and over, the following day at work.

I would not only recite the new verses to myself, but I would ponder the meaning of each word and phrase and what each could teach me about the Savior. Not only did this memorization and pondering help me to break up the drudgery of the work day, but I found the exercise spiritually fulfilling: I had many powerful, personal experiences with the Savior right there on the factory floor, in the summer heat and amidst the press machines, welders, noise and grime.

Two scriptures that I memorized that summer, which are still my favorites today, are, “Look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6: 36) and, “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).

These two passages, which I like to think are the Lord speaking directly to me, have provided a great deal of strength and guidance to me in the intervening years. These words gave me the strength and determination to make it through those long summer months in the factory. They helped me to remember that I could overcome the hardships of life as I turned to my Savior.

These words gave me the courage to get educated. They gave me the
confidence to get out of my introverted shell and court my beloved wife, who is way out of my league. They have given me direction and guidance in starting a family and in raising my soon-to-be four beautiful little girls.

These words from the Savior have given me the courage to embrace further educational, occupational, and service experiences that will enable me to be a better husband, father, and priesthood holder. Through these words I find daily strength.

I reflect frequently on the Savior’s words to all of us, that if we continue to learn of Him and look unto Him in all that we do, we need not fear the unknown obstacles of life. Rather, as we look firmly and meekly to our Savior, and doubt not his existence, power, or infinite mercy, we shall find peace in Him; even Jesus Christ, the great Comforter and Redeemer of the world.