In the Book of Mormon we read that after they had sailed for many days, some of them began to forget by what power they had been brought there, and they began to make merry and speak with rudeness. Nephi began to fear that the Lord would be displeased with them and smite them, so he tried to admonish them. They became angry with him and refused to listen to him. They tied him up and were quite harsh with him. After they did this, the compass stopped working and they no longer knew how to steer the ship. Then a great storm arose and they became frightened. But they still refused to untie Nephi. Finally after four days the tempest grew worse and it became apparent that the judgments of God were upon them and they needed to untie Nephi or they would be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. Nephi's wrists and ankles were swollen and sore because of being bound. But instead of being angry, Nephi praised God and did not murmur because of his afflictions. What a great example he was to all of us! Nephi's parents pleaded with those who had bound Nephi, begging them to untie him before they were all swallowed up in the depths of the ocean. But all the prayers and tears did not soften the hearts of Nephi's wicked brethren and convince them to unloose him. 1 Nephi 18:9-19 "And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness. And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked. And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me."
In the Old Testament we read the beautiful blessing that the Lord told Moses to have Aaron and his sons speak to the children of Israel. Numbers 6:22-27 "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them."
In some verses with a thought booklet we see that even though the city was surrounded by horses and chariots and a great host, there were unseen forces from heaven even more numerous protecting them. When a servant asked the prophet Elisha what they could do, Elisha told him to "fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with the." He then prayed that the servant's eyes would be opened so that he, too, could see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. When we have the Lord on our side, it doesn't matter who else is against us. All the horses and chariots in the world are no match for God. Instead of placing our focus on all the scary things in the world that threaten us, if we'll place our trust in the Lord, He will take care of us. There is no reason to fear. 2 Kings 6:14-17 "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
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