My dear brothers and sisters, it is a pleasure and an honor to speak with you today and I pray for the presence of the spirit to be with us as we learn together. The opportunity to study at a university where the Spirit of the Lord prevails is an unparalleled prospect. This is a marvelous time for each of us to be on the campus of BYU–Idaho. It is not by chance that you are here. Use your time wisely and the benefits will return to you throughout your entire life.
And while it is truly notable to be here on campus, it is an even more wonderful time to be alive in the history of the world. The scriptures are full of prophetic visions of our day. With great awe ancient prophets saw the miracle of these times in which we live. It must have been astonishing. And now you are here, experiencing what they could only have yearned for. Never before have young people had so many opportunities for growth, learning, and success. But we are only stewards. If you are wise, the Lord can direct your paths and help you to fulfill your own personal destiny to its fullest. The field before you is green and fertile.
Having been raised in a rural setting, I quickly became acquainted with the importance of fields and pastures. As a small child, my family moved to what was then a small rural town in Utah. My parents sought a lifestyle that living in the country would offer and knew the blessings it would bring to their family. We lived in a modest home surrounded by several acres of pasture. My father prized this pasture and he gave it great care and nurturing. It required the help of his entire family.
I remember getting up in the middle of the night to help him when it was our turn to access the local irrigation system. As spring approached I would assist him on the tractor as he worked to prepare the pasture for summer. There were thorns and other weeds that constantly needed removing. Fences would be checked and repaired or replaced. It simply required a lot of hard and dedicated work.
But my father knew something, or perhaps felt something, that I did not understand until much later. The love and toil toward this small plot of ground was not for the pasture’s sake, but for the animals that he loved and cherished. He cared for his animals and wanted them to be happy and comfortable. My father knew if these animals were properly provided for and watched over, they in turn would love him and ultimately bring great joy and satisfaction.
As I look back fondly upon those satisfying days of caring for this pasture, I am vividly reminded of two interrelating passages of scripture that have great significance and importance. These particular passages are so tender, so moving, so filled with hope, that Christians world-wide have these sacred messages deeply engraved upon their minds, and their hearts. Hymns and great choruses have been created from their words and messages continue to be delivered from their text. Ironically, the words are simple; yet the imagery is powerful. These scriptures of which I speak are found in the Book of Psalms, and the Book of Isaiah. You probably know them well. They read:
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…[1]
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom…[2]
Why are these words so beloved? Why is this language so touching? Perhaps it is their poetic composition. Maybe it is the potent use of illustration. But could it be that within these few phrases lies an important allusion pointing the way for us to lead happy and meaningful lives? Within these scriptures, three specific and fundamental elements are mentioned. They are: shepherd, sheep, and pasture. I would like to take a moment and review each of these prominent players in this metaphor of life.
The scriptures are filled with references to a Shepherd. This shepherd is one that goes before and leads his sheep. He knows how to succor their needs and wants because he fully comprehends them. He is completely experienced with the environment in which they dwell. The Shepherd has power to keep them safe from harm and lead them to peace. While living amongst his disciples, the Savior plainly declared:
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.[3]
He also said:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.[4]
Of this unusual shepherd, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:
“When He bids us to walk in His way and by His light, it is because He has walked this way before us, and He has made it safe for our own travel here. He knows…how to succor his people according to their infirmities.”
Brothers and sisters, the Savoir Jesus Christ truly is the loving shepherd.
Important to the shepherd are his sheep. Who are the sheep and why are they valued? Sheep have great need because of their inherent and natural limitations. To truly be at peace and reach their full potential, they must have the help of a greater source who loves them. The sheep follow their shepherd because they sense, and even seek, his great power, knowledge, and ability to assist them. And in spite of the sheep’s weaknesses, shortcomings, ignorance, and frailties, they have come to know their master will protect and help them. Again, in Psalms we read:
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever….”[5]
Like sheep, each of us, no matter how great or small must have help from a greater source to be guided toward our full potential. Simply put, those who love the Savior and follow him are the sheep.
Now, the third element of our discussion is the pasture. What is the pasture? What is its purpose? Is it important? It is evident that sheep cannot provide pasture for themselves. They cannot prepare it, nor groom it. Nurturing and maintenance is beyond their ability. If they wander from the pasture’s safety they may become lost, or even worse, destroyed. Yet, from the pasture, sheep must draw their life giving nourishment. Within its bounds they will live out their destiny.
While the pasture is less spoken of, it is a fundamental component to the progress of those who depend on it. The pasture symbolically represents the world in which we live. And even more specific, it is integral to our individual lives and the path we each must trod. In other words, our personal pastures are the individual situations of our lives.
I would like to focus the remainder of my message today upon the pasture prepared, or being prepared, for each of us. As I think about the Savior’s watchful and guiding care in each of our lives, I am reminded of a tender hymn:
The Lord my pasture will prepare
And feed me with a shepherd’s care.
His presence will my wants supply
And guard me with a watchful eye.
My noonday walks He will attend
And all my silent midnight hours defend.[6]
The words of this hymn are true. They are not merely poetic, but are words of actuality if we choose to allow the Savior to guide and direct our daily affairs. In fact, we must allow him to direct us if we are to experience joy and reach our full potential. Just as sheep are limited in their capabilities, we likewise are placed into a situation, a pasture if you will, requiring us to “look to God and live.”
The Savior taught his disciples this principle long ago while sitting on a hill side. It has since become known as the Sermon on the Mount. I can picture the setting: a warm beautiful day with blue skies and rolling hills as a backdrop. I can also imagine beautiful flowers, plants, and trees dotting the landscape around the Savior as he taught. No other location could have been more appropriate for the message He was about to deliver?a powerful message about a simple and delicate flower. A Lily.
From this gentle analogy of a simple and elegant flower, the Savior, our shepherd, taught us a loving and life saving principle about our personal pastures. Please read with me in Matthew 6:28-30:
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothed the grass of the field, which to day is and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you…?
Brothers and sisters, the Lord continues to teach us this important principle today. We must rely upon Him to guide and help us in every facet of our lives. The lily is considered to be a thing of splendid beauty. And yet, lilies of the field simply and naturally permit the life that is within them to unfold and fill the measure of their creation. They do not toil. They rely upon God to help them with things they cannot control or order. For a lily to survive, continual rains must descend, the soil must provide proper nutrients, and the sun must give adequate light. Each of these elements must be available in the correct amounts and in their proper times. The lily fulfills its full measure of creation by relying on the Lord for sustenance in all things.
If the Lord so graciously prepares a field in which a delicate flower can grow to reach its full and marvelous potential, surely He will do the same for us. He will prepare our own personal pastures that will help us find our maximum capabilities and reach the full measure of our creation.
The word pasture is derived from the Latin word pastus or pascere, meaning “to feed.” References to a pasture imply the Lord will feed us our “daily bread,” and our daily direction. And even through what may seem as an occasional lack thereof, He is helping us to gain experience and become more like him.
You may ask, “Will the Lord truly help me with my individual needs?” “How deeply does He care about my concerns?” “Does He know me individually and understand the desires of my heart.” As one of the least, my dear brothers and sisters, I bear testimony from my own personal experience that He does! This is the good news; this is the gospel.
The Lord has known you for a very long time. He knows your name. Your weaknesses and strengths are before him. He will help you with your studies. He will help you find the focus of your education. Your talents and abilities are evident to Him. Does it not seem reasonable for the Lord to guide you to meaningful and productive work, whether it is in the home or workplace? After all, you will be spending a great portion of your life in this pursuit. If you believe the gospel is centered on the family and can preserve your relationships through the eternities, isn’t it also reasonable to believe the Lord will help you find a mate to bring joy and fulfillment? And if you are experiencing a difficult challenge, wouldn’t someone who loves you enough to give their life for you also help and sustain you through your trials? Surely our Shepherd will do all this for us. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said,
“Those who will receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the source of their salvation will always lie down in green pastures, not matter how barren and bleak the winter has been.”[7]
Examples of individuals who have been led by the Lord to lie in green pastures are found in abundance. They relied upon Him for their guidance and direction, and He in turn magnified them. I would like to share with you three particular examples. Each story is different, yet in each case the individuals trusted the Lord and He in return prepared the way before them, helping them to become better and contribute more to others.
The first example is found in the Book of Mormon with a seemingly insignificant Lamanite woman. Her name was Abish, a servant in the court of King Lamoni. It is quite possible you do not recall Abish in your studies. She is only mentioned briefly. However, without Abish, a woman prepared by the Lord, the conversion process of many from the Lamanite nation would have had a significantly different outcome.
The story goes like this. Ammon, a Nephite, had decided along with his friends to live among the Lamanite people. They were anxious to assist in bringing these people out of darkness and unto Christ. Through several miraculous circumstances, Ammon was eventually brought before the king?apparently no small thing to experience and remain alive. Through several more remarkable events, the King (and eventually the Queen) believed the words of Ammon as he taught them. Being overcome by the Spirit, they had fallen to the earth as if they were dead. Even Ammon himself, in expressing his gratitude for the Lord’s manifestations among the people, had fallen to the ground. As you might imagine, this caused quite a stir amongst the king’s court. The servants were astonished and feared. They, too, began to pray and fell to the earth.
However, one very special maidservant named Abish had long before been prepared by the Lord for what was about to happen at that exact moment. The story is found in Alma 19:16-17:
And it came to pass that they… had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father—
Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people.
By quickly spreading the word about this remarkable happening, many of King Lamoni’s kingdom entered the court to witness the event for themselves. They watched the miracle unfold as those who seemed dead awoke and bore powerful testimony of the Lord. The story ends with a significant multitude of Lamanites believing the words of Ammon and converting to Christ.
So, here was one woman, carefully prepared and completely converted, among a nation of bitter unbelievers. How could this be? Abish had been fed and led by the Lord. Her pasture had been prepared.
Examples such as these are not only limited to the scriptures or a previous time.
I hope you will allow me to share with you a personal example. For much of my life I have enjoyed the beauty and inspiration found within the arts. A profound love and growing knowledge of them has been enriching for me personally and provided a solid foundation for my career. But this has not always been the situation. Growing up in a rural town, my access to classical music, fine art, and great literature was limited. My parents, who understood my desires better than I did myself, purchased a piano when I was young and had provided me with lessons. It opened the door, but I had not yet fully appreciated or connected with the power, beauty, and influence the arts can demonstrate.
I will never forget one very important day in my sixteenth year when my life would take a different direction. Like so many teenagers, I was working at a local fast food restaurant. I had just come out of the kitchen when I glanced over at the drive-up window. The high school faculty member responsible for music was there. I spoke with him for a few moments, took his order, and then continued on about my daily work. A few minutes later I began handing him his order through the window as he responded with a simple, yet pivotal question. He said, “We are having our choir kick-off social tonight. It would be great if you could come.” He then added the words, “Do you think you can make it?” As my mouth responded, “Sure,” my mind thought, “What in the world are you doing? This is not cool.”
I did, however, go to that social and it was a wonderful and satisfying experience. It felt natural. My life would be forever changed. I eventually found a subject matter and a social circle that connected deeply. Through opening the door to music, I would soon be introduced to art, and eventually great literature. An understanding and a love of these tools would continue to grow as I matured. Respect and appreciation for them have been critical to the pasture of my life and has brought with it a fulfilling richness, as well as an opportunity to serve and help others.
Through the course of this very small experience, along with many others, I have come to see clearly the influential hand of a loving and kind shepherd who has brought all things together for my good. Because it has happened for me, I know it will be the same for you. This is true and I bear testimony of it.
Now, I know of another very special and sacred account I would like to share with you. I first heard this story nearly two years ago at a President’s Council Question and Answer session. I was deeply touched as the spirit witnessed the truth of its message. I knew then, and even more so now, that the Lord had prepared the way for two very special people to be here on our campus with us today. I share this with their permission.
Just over two years ago, President and Sister Clark were at home in Boston watching the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2004 General Conference with a few members of their immediate family. President Hinckley was in the process of sustaining Elder David A. Bednar as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. When the sustaining was over, the Clarks’ son loudly exclaimed, “Dad, dad, you’re going to be the next President of BYU–Idaho.” With a puzzled look, President Clark stared at him for a moment and then said, “What? Where did you get that!?” “I don’t know,” his son said, “but you are going to be the next President of BYU–Idaho.” That simple statement was the beginning of a remarkable series of events for President and Sister Clark.
With the seed planted in their minds, the Clarks started talking about the possibility of coming to BYU–Idaho, but never spoke of it with anyone. Still, the more President Clark pondered the idea, the more the desire began to grow within his heart. It continued to increase until April 2005 when he asked Sister Clark if she had noticed an announcement in the Church News about a new President for BYU–Idaho. She hadn’t. With piqued interest, President Clark decided to visit the university’s website to see if a new President had been announced. After a little research, he determined the position had not yet been filled.
The Spirit continued to direct and prepare the Clarks. A month later, in May, President Clark was scheduled to play golf. It turned out to be a rainy day, which left him with a free afternoon. President Clark felt a strong impression to attend the temple. Sue had already been earlier that morning, so he decided to attend by himself.
As he walked into the temple, an unusually strong and overwhelming feeling of peace and joy surrounded him. He felt the presence of the Spirit. Later, after the endowment session, he began to pray. President and Sister Clark knew he would be stepping down soon as Dean of the Harvard Business School. Several new opportunities had already begun to emerge, but President Clark wanted to know Heavenly Father’s will. As he prayed, he said, “Heavenly Father, we will do anything you want us to do. We’ll go anywhere, we’ll do anything, but could you just please let us know which one of these options we’re supposed to do. And could you let us know in a way where there’s no doubt. . . a clear answer of what we should do.”
The answer would come in a most remarkable way… and soon. As President Clark arrived home, Sue noticed several messages had been left on their answering machine. She began listening, and then handed the phone to her husband, saying, “I think you’d better listen to this one.” It was a message from President Hinckley’s secretary. He said President Hinckley would like to speak with President Clark and asked him to return the call.
President Clark immediately dialed the number and reached President Hinckley’s office. A few minutes later the prophet came on the line. After a brief conversation, he asked if President Clark would be interested in presiding over BYU–Idaho. Such a question would normally be overwhelming, but President Clark was truly prepared to answer. His mind was ready and eager to respond. With all the energy of his soul, he replied, “I would.”
From that moment until President and Sister Clark’s arrival in Rexburg, a series of marvelous events prepared them for their new responsibilities. President Clark said, “It was as if the windows of heaven literally opened, and we received a tremendous outpouring and understanding of the university and a love for the students.”
It is certainly clear to all of us who have come to know and love the Clarks that they were singularly prepared by the Lord for their service here among us. But, is it equally clear to you that Heaven will guide and direct your paths in a similar way? Do you see the hand of the great Shepherd in your life? Are you aware of what the Lord has already done to prepare your pasture? Perhaps a brief inventory of the blessings that exist in each of our lives will provide evidence that our individual pastures have been, and are even now being prepared.
We are blessed to live in the last days so long foretold. The gospel has burst upon the world in a glorious manner. Truth is upon the earth and can easily be found by the honest seeker. This one fact alone is quite remarkable. Have you ever stopped to realize that throughout history most of the world’s population has come to earth, lived out their lives the best they could, and died without the blessings you enjoy daily? Some were in complete darkness, some having only a sense of the truth. In contrast, you have access to full truth before you in the bright light of day. You can receive answers to your prayers and know the purpose of your existence. Priesthood keys are on the earth to move forward the kingdom of which you are apart. Most important, you have complete knowledge of the redeeming love and atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ.
And not only do you have the truth, you also have the attendant blessings of that truth. The world you know and experience each day is a very different world than that experienced by even your grandparents, and certainly by those who lived only a few generations before. Communication and transportation is possible at speeds never dreamed of by earlier individuals. Information on nearly every conceivable topic is available at your finger tips instantaneously. A trip from Salt Lake City, Utah to Nauvoo, Illinois would take you approximately three or four hours to complete. That same trip took our early pioneers three to four months. While many people who lived before you received little or no education, expertise and knowledge on nearly every subject is available to you at a relatively low cost. Many individuals have suffered much of their lives in oppression and poverty. The prospect you will enjoy freedom and prosperity is quite likely.
This is truly a marvelous time to be alive. In short, you have already been provided a most green and fertile pasture. With gratitude and acknowledgement that the Lord has prepared a way for you thus far in your life, you can move forward with faith and confidence knowing that He will continue to do so.
But some of you might be wondering how you can receive more fully of this direction from heaven. It is possible to have greater access to the Savior’s guidance. The scriptures teach us of Lord’s willingness to help and guide us. Please read with me in
Matthew 7:7-10:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Ask, knock, and seek: three very important gospel words. Recently my wife and I were acquiring artwork for our home. In the process we came across a striking piece that communicated a simple message in a poignant way. The words “ask,” “knock” and “seek” were placed next to each other in a line. Above each individual word was a photo of a beautiful and inviting door waiting to be opened. The message was direct and clear. Blessings and direction from the Lord are there for us to partake but we must first put forth effort and do our part.
There are other words that instruct us of ways in which we can do our part and receive of the Lord. In teaching my advertising class, I share with students a potent key for creating successful text. The key is simply to use “action verbs.” Action verbs motivate us to do something. I would like to introduce you to a few gospel action verbs found within scripture. These examples can help us more fully receive guidance and assistance from the Lord. You will notice in each instance an invitation is given to take action followed by a promised blessing. The words are: trust, take, seek, look, and give. A sermon could be written on each of these words but I will share with you only a few basic thoughts.
First, “trust”. In order for the Lord to bless you in your individual lives you must trust him. The world will provide many substitutes for you to rely on but there is only one sure foundation, one lasting and true way to find happiness.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths.[8]
Second, “take”. Life can be challenging with many options to weigh you down. One of the greatest paradoxes of life is that as you fully take upon you the gospel of Jesus Christ, the heavy burdens of life are actually lightened and even lifted.
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.[9]
Now third, “seek”. There are many options for you to seek in this life. Sultry, sumptuous, and even silly temptations are on every side. But if we put the Lord first in our lives and help accomplish His work in the kingdom we will be rewarded and receive richly.
... seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.[10]
Fourth, “look”. Where do you look and to whom do you look when you are in need? We look to that which we love and receive of its rewards in return. Are you a fair-weather and finicky friend? Or do you include the Lord in all your decisions and desires?
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.[11]
And last, “give”. What you do with what you are given is critical to the process. As the lord prepares a pasture for you, the gifts and blessings received are best utilized in the service of others. By giving to others you will in return be blessed. In other words, receive; give to others that which you receive; and then you will receive again.
Give, and it shall be given unto you…. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.[12]
I would now like to conclude with a few words of inspired counsel from President Hinckley. These words should have particular meaning to you as students here at BYU–Idaho. They were given on this very campus not long ago to students just like you. They are words for you and provide powerful insight into ways the Lord can prepare your pasture of life. I will never forget the day. President Hinckley had delivered his prepared remarks. He set them aside and announced that he would like to express a few words extemporaneously. The room was silent and the Spirit was pervasive. With tears in his eyes and great love for the students of BYU–Idaho, he began:
Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for a prophet on the earth today who guides us to truth and fulfillment. I bear my witness that the Lord “my pasture,” and “your pasture,” will prepare—ultimately helping us find the way back to his presence. I leave with you my witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the way. I know God lives and Jesus is our Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Psalms 23
[2] Isaiah 40:11
[3] John 10: 14
[4] John 10: 11
[5] Psalms 79:13
[6] The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare, no. 109
[7] “Special Witness: Look to the Savior,” Friend, Oct. 2003, 33
[8] Proverbs 3:5-6
[9] Matthew 11:29-30
[10] Matthew 6:33
[11] D&C 6:36
[12] Luke 6:38