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1 Nephi 2:15

"And my father dwelt in a tent."

This verse may be the shortest in the whole Book of Mormon, but that does not discredit its significance.

This verse is introduced after a Prophet, Lehi, is commanded by the Lord to leave all of his gold, silver, and precious possessions, and to flee Jerusalem with his family. This verse is written by his son, Nephi. A friend that I have pointed out to me the significance of this verse.

Nephi, for the first time in his life, saw his father living in these circumstances. He was not dwelling in the house they had back in Jerusalem, with the gold and silver there to give a false sense of security. He was dwelling in a tent, the most humbling of circumstances. No gold, nor silver, nor lures of men. However, at this moment, they had more security than they had ever had back in Jerusalem. Why is that?

Because Lehi now received his security from the Lord.

As we do what the Lord asks of us, we will not always be abounding in good resources. We will not always have the path made easy. We, surely, will not be without pain, strife, or heartache. We will, however, know that it is the Lord in whom we put our trust. We will know that we do not learn back on the arm of flesh, but that we lean on the Lord's ever extended hand of mercy.

I know this to be true. Commandments are hard. It is hard to pay tithing, it is hard to avoid participation in acts that the world has made out to be so normal, it is hard to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places. That being said, as we do hard things, because the Lord has asked us, we will surely receive the promise in John 15:14.

We will be a friend of Jesus Christ.

How has Jesus Christ supported you?