In his talk, A Reservoir of Living Waters, Elder Bednar said; "Life springs from water, life is sustained by water, water is the medium that is used to sustain all known forms of life. Life could not exist without the availability of and access to adequate supplies of clean water. Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting live John 4:13-14. As water is necessary to sustain physical life, the Savior and His doctrines, principles and ordinances, are essential for eternal life. You and I need His living water daily and in ample supply to sustain our ongoing spiritual growth and development.
The scriptures contain the words of Christ and are a reservoir of living water. to which we have ready access and to which we can drink deeply and long. Christ is the fountain of living waters. By reading, studying, searching and feasting upon the words of Christ as contained in the Holy Scriptures, we can receive both spiritual direction and protection during our mortal journey.
The tree of life in Lehi's dream represents the Love of God. When Nephi was given the privilege of seeing the same dream that his father saw, with interpretations, He saw "...that [Christ] was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world." 1 Nephi 11:33. The rod of iron, which represented the word of God, led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters (and tree) are a representation of the love of God 1 Nephi 11:25. Christ's atoning sacrifice was the perfect demonstration of God's love and the scriptures lead us to receiving that perfect and pure love.
In Jacob chapter 3, verses 1&2, Jacob speaks to the pure in heart, saying: Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.
I love the symbolism in Lehi's dream! The path that leads us to eternal life and God's love is lined by a rod of iron (the word of God). Hold on to that rod and you won't get distracted, persuaded or fall away when the clouds of darkness (forget mists!) ~ come along or when you stumble upon a pot hole or two or trip in the ditch that lines the path that you are traveling on. In your travels, when you enter temptations; the discouraging periods of life; and the trials of your faith, hanging on to the word of God will keep you on the path, it gives you something to hold on to when you can't see anyone or anything else around you on your journey. The glamour and pride of the world will try to distract you, don't be persuaded by their flattery, the world promises immediate gratification, but don't forget ~ you are on the path that leads to eternal life. Don't let go, don't give up, don't lose sight, especially in the mists or clouds of darkness!
And on a personal note... A section of my patriarchal blessing says; "Now Dear Sister, in your life, one of the things that will strengthen you will be to read the word of God, for from the Holy Scriptures there will come thoughts and ideas to your mind that will help you to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through these words your testimony will increase and it will be unquestionable, and you will have the knowledge that will help you to know that these things are true. Therefore, under the counsel of your Heavenly Father, seek these truths out. Let them become a part of your life and guide you that you may not fail in that which you should do, for I promise you that the Lord will take you by the hand and direct your footsteps if you will but seek him in faith and prayer."
I take this counsel personal because it was spoken to me in a blessing, but I believe that it applies to everyone.
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