None were with Him

I picked this talk for my visiting teaching message because it touched my heart so much. It is a story we already know, but Elder Holland beautifully told Christ’s story in a way that I will never forget. My favorite part of the talk is when Elder Holland states,

“I speak of those final moments for which Jesus must have been prepared intellectually and physically but which He may not have fully anticipated emotionally and spiritually—that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

This part was so meaningful to me because it’s been easy for me to “intellectually” say how I would handle a trial I see someone else dealing with. I’ve often said, “Wow, if that was me, I would ______.” But then when those big life-changing trials have hit me, I’ve been overwhelmed and completely unprepared for how difficult they would be spiritually and emotionally.

I’ve wondered at times why it is that the Father withdrew his Spirit while Christ was on the cross. It seemed cruel to have the Father leave his Son alone during the hardest time in His life. Then how am I supposed to trust that Heavenly Father won't leave me alone during my hardest times? I knew the answer “intellectually” but it wasn’t until I heard this talk that I understood it “spiritually” and “emotionally.” It’s now clear to me that Christ needed to know how I felt – inside and out – when I’ve struggled through life. I feel a stronger bond with him now, as I realize that he not only suffered for my sins and pains, but he fully experienced the emotional anguish I’ve felt while in despair.

My load feels lighter and my love for my Savior has increased tenfold.