"Buried in the Depths of the Sea" - What we can learn from Ether 6

I love the story of the Jaredites and their travel to the promised land. As I listen and read about different people's analyses of their journey, there is just so much to learn from them, and I would venture to say that it is the best example of how to get through adversity throughout our lives. I may revoke that statement someday... but for now I'm sticking to it.
 
For those unfamiliar with the story, it all starts with near the Tower of Babel. The people were trying to build a tower that was so tall they could reach heaven. God didn't like that, and as punishment he confused all the people's languages so they couldn't really communicate with each other. Jared and his brother (usually we just refer to him uncreatively as the Brother of Jared) were rewarded for their righteousness, and God told them that if they would build some boats they could travel to a promised land where they could live with their families in peace.

All right, let's brainstorm here: what promised land are we all trying to reach? Could it be the Celestial Kingdom, the "third heaven"?

Of course, the journey to that promised land was going to be treacherous, and their boats had to be made just right. From here, I'm just going to go verse by verse in Ether 6 and throw in my thoughts as I do so. Hope it makes sense.

(2) For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels. (3) And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

In Psalms 71:3 as well as Helaman 5:12, Christ is referred to as a rock. In my journey to my promised land, I am extremely thankful that I have such an incredible rock to
"shine in darkness, to give light" so that I "might not cross the great waters in darkness."

(5) And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

First, lets emphasize they were always moving towards the promised land. No matter how furious the winds were, or how shaken up they got inside the boats, they were always being moved forward. Also, let's note who was causing these winds: God. He knows that our trials help us to grow more than anything else. Reminds me a lot of James 1:2-3.

(6) And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

At times, I feel very buried in the depths of the sea. Quite often, in fact. I get so freaking sick of the mountain waves that never seem to take a break and the wind truly is fierce at times.

(7) And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

Thank heavens for this next verse! Even when I am completely burrowed, I can always count on the Lord to bring me back to the top again. Sometimes I swear he waits until the very last second, but hey... at least I always make it. There are a few important things that keep the Jaredites alive here, though. First, they were "tight like unto a dish"--they really didn't let any of the waves get to them. It tossed them around, sure, but that was it. Second, they "did cry unto the Lord" whenever "they were encompassed." God answers prayers, I promise you that!

(8) And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

Still pressing forward! Always towards the promised land (back with our Heavenly Father)!

(9) And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

Not only are they praying; now they're even thanking the Lord. Again, remember James 1:1-2. Also, remember that in Helaman 15:3, we learn that oftentimes, God chastens us because of His infinite love for us.

(10) And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

To me, the difference between the tempests and waves and water from verses six and seven are VERY different from a whale or a monster of the sea. These animals are literal, free-thinking beings. In my mind, these represent people. People try to break us and mar us left and right. But, still, we have the continual light of Christ no matter how bogged down we may be!

(11) And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.

"How long do I have to suffer this??" I don't know how many times I've heard it. I bet the Jaredites weren't quite thinking they were going to be in a boat going above the water, under the water, hit by whales, etc. for almost a full year.

But finally,

(12) And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

We will make it! I promise you, we will make it. If we keep ourselves "tight like unto a dish" so that the battering doesn't really get to us; if we continually pray and thank our Father in Heaven; if we allow our path to be lighted by our Rock; if we recognize the many tender mercies that God has given us; if we do this, WE WILL MAKE IT.