Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the Savior's support in the storms of life

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"When you feel tossed by the storms of life and when the waves rise and the winds howl, on those occasions it would be natural for you to cry in your heart, 'Master, carest thou not that I perish?' When these times come, think back upon that day when the Savior awakened in the stern of the ship, rose up and rebuked the storm. 'Peace, be still,' He said. (Mark 4:39.)

"At times we may be tempted to think the Savior is oblivious to our trials. In fact, the reverse is true; it is we who need to be awakened in our hearts to His teachings.

"Use your ingenuity, your strength, your might to resolve your challenges. Do all you can do and then leave the rest to the Lord. President Howard W. Hunter said: 'If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.' (THWH 40)

"Living the gospel does not mean the storms of life will pass us by, but we will be better prepared to face them with serenity and peace. 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing,' the Lord admonished, 'and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly.' (D&C 90:24.)

"Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Keep the faith. Doubt not. The storms will one day be stilled....

"The gospel gives us that harbor of enduring safety and security. The living prophet and the apostles today are as lighthouses in the storm. Steer towards the light of the restored gospel and the inspired teachings of those who represent the Lord on earth."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor," Ensign, May 2000, pp. 59-61
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The Master is always aware of the storms we occasionally pass through in life. He knows how they impact us; He knows how we struggle under the beating rains and howling winds. And He is prepared to not only calm the storm, but support us through the storm while we learn from the experience. He is never "oblivious to our trials." But we may be oblivious to His love and care that are constantly expressed.

Elder Wirthlin's reminder is to focus on the Savior's teachings when the storms come. We must use all our resources to control and survive the storm; but then, as we turn to Him in faith, obedience, and trust, "the storms will one day be stilled."

The Savior's eternal reassurance is, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18.) As we focus on the lighthouses He has provided for us, we will find the safe and peaceful harbor.