Let earth and hell combine against you

I was reminded of the significance of these verses when I read them on Junior Ganymede before I got to them in the scriptures.

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. […] Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. […] Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

D&C 6:34,36,37

As I began reading, the words “let earth and hell combine against you” struck me with how bold they were.

With all the craziness in the world lately, both real and manufactured, I wasn’t sure how I felt about both letting earth and hell combine against me any more than they already are.

Next the Lord says “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” Don’t look at earth and hell; change your focus.

And then he drops this last sobering statement, “Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet;”

In spite of the greatest opposition that darkness could muster, there he stands, clothed in glory. The scars that echo a futile attempt to silence and end him, are now displayed proudly as symbols of his victory.

The one who bears those scars calls out to us to build on his rock and look to him in every thought. Darkness has already been conquered so come what may, it cannot separate us from our destiny if we only kept the faith.