Their bounds are set...

Last night I was reading in D&C 122 and found some comfort and hope. I've been learning some things about global conspiracies and it can become depressing and worrying when one considers some of our freedoms being so encroached upon and plotted against.

As I was pondering these I came across D&C 122:9. This verse comes right after Joseph receives the counsel that all his trials shall be for his experience and good and admonishes him that "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?". Usually I stop there and ponder that deep pronouncement. But on Sunday, someone pointed out the verse after, verse 9.

"Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."

As I read that I felt peace. The Lord is in charge! Despite all the calculations and scheming's of men and devils, the Lord has set their bounds and they will NOT be allowed to go beyond them. I decided to search this subject more. From cross references, I found myself in Job 11, 12. These are powerful chapters that outline the same theme. I really enjoyed chapter 12:16-25

16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17 He leadeth counselors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.
18 He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.
20 He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.
21 He poureth contempt upon aprinces•, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty.
22 He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.
23 He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.
24 He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to awander• in a wilderness where there is no way.
25 They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.

Truly it is most important to be standing for the right things despite seeming hoplessness and whether or not it appears to be making a difference. By doing so and through righteous living, we call down the powers of Heaven in our defence and can know that "They that be with us are more than be with them".