Everyone has a different definition of the atonement- what it means on paper, in the scriptures, in Conference talks, and most importantly what you have personally experienced. Maybe you have seen a friend make some choices that were contrary to God's commands and prayed that he or she would just use the atonement and be able to repent. The simplest definition may seem to be the process of repentance and the healing power that can come after we make mistakes.
But when you go through something that really hurts or just doesn't make sense, you start to see the expanded purpose of the atonement. You realize that even if you didn't make any wrong decision, you can still use the healing power to lift you up. When someone betrays you or when you have to say goodbye to someone and make changes in your life- it is difficult and He knows that and knew that. Thus, His atonement can free you from pain.
But how do you do that? I think it looks different for everyone, but it ought to start with a deep study of Matthew 11: 28-30.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.How do you apply this concept to your feelings each day? Drawing inspiration from this scripture no doubt, LDS music artist Hilary Weeks wrote these words:
He knows your heart
He knows your pain
He knows your pain
He knows the strength it took just to simply breathe today
He sees the tears that you cry
He knows your soul is aching to know why
He hears your prayers each humble word
When you said you couldn’t face another day He understood
He knows the path when you walk blind
Though you've felt alone He’s never left your side
He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words
Could take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you
He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope
And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you
Until you know the sun will rise and each new day
You will have the strength to live again
And in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you
He hears you when you’re crying in the night
He hears you when your soul longs to fight
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures
That in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes can see what you’re going through
When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you
Her words are absolutely true. You may need to read them and then re-read them again.
In 2001, Brigham Young University's Museum of Art purchased Carl Bloch's painting of Christ healing at Bethesda.
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| Carl Bloch, BYU Museum of Art |
The process of buying the piece and shipping it to BYU was quite the process. I took a friend from China to see the museum. She is Buddhist and had heard little to nothing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As were walking through the exhibition, we came to this piece. It is practically life-size and awesome to behold. Our tour guide told us the story in the painting: of the sick and the blind who waited all day for an angel to touch the water so they could be healed (John 5: 2-9).
The rest of the tour group moved forward but Nora stayed at the painting and asked me more questions. After I had answered the technical questions to the best of my ability, she said,
"So was the man healed?"
I replied,"Yes Nora he was. He certainly was."
The scripture beneath the painting was a perfect fit for this moment. 2 Kings 20:5 reads
I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee.
The power of the atonement comes in many forms, not just the act of repentance. You may have just been baptized into the fold or maybe you have been a member since you were 8, but this process of understanding the whole and complete definition of the atonement will certainly be a life-long task. Allow yourself to be grateful for this opportunity to learn and be healed at the Master's feet.
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