Greg Clark

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a stranglehold on our nation for several weeks. 

The pandemic has caused an extraordinary number of illnesses and deaths throughout the world.

It has paralyzed economies in many countries. The stock market crashed last month. Many have been laid off from their employment or working significantly fewer hours.  Millions of American families are struggling to make ends meet. Some small businesses in our community may not survive the economic strain and permanently close. 

It was recently announced that malt barley contracts have changed for many farmers in our area. Meanwhile, it is estimated that about 30% of sugar beets in our area were not harvested last fall due to poor weather.

The list of reasons to feel doom and gloom could go on. Has God forsaken us? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Can I have peace amidst the turmoil?

Christians recently observed Good Friday. On that day we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in which he took upon himself the sins, pains, infirmities and sorrows of all who have lived or ever will live upon this earth. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and was crucified on Calvary’s cross.

The day of crucifixion was surely a dark and dreary day, figuratively and literally. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke teach that darkness covered the earth from about noon (the sixth hour) until 3 in the afternoon (the ninth hour). Violent earthquakes shook the earth. The veil of the temple was torn in two. Those who revered Jesus as the savior of mankind were surely overcome with grief, despair and devastation.

However, the devastation of that Friday would be short-lived because of the glorious first Easter Sunday. Jesus taught, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:17-18).

His spirit and his body were reunited through resurrection, never again to be separated.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ all who have lived or ever will live on the earth will also be resurrected. This is a gift of love to all mankind.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept… For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20,22). 

An understanding of the gift of resurrection and a personal relationship with the giver of that gift will provide perspective and assistance to us as we deal with the challenges, trials, injustices and triumphs of life.

Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently taught, “Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive his cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times.”

Each of us will likely have days, weeks, months or even years similar to the first Good Friday when we feel overwhelmed with despair. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So, no matter how dark, dreary and lonely our own Fridays may be, Sunday will come.

I know that Christ lives. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He wants to help us deal with our challenges in life. He provides peace amidst the turmoil. He does not force us to do anything. He simply waits for us to invite him to join us on our journey through life. He is the best companion a person can have.

(Greg Clark serves as the second counselor in the Cody Stake presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Cody Stake includes congregations in Powell, Cody, Burlington and Meeteetse.)