Alma 5:33-34, 37

As I was reading this section of Alma chapter 5, I noticed that I had written in the margins of my Book of Mormon "He is always there!"

33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.

34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;

That is the message of these two verses. They reaffirm what we should already know. Heavenly Father is always there, always inviting, promising mercy, promising His love as He asks us to come to the Tree of Life. We just have to choose Him and go to Him.

Verse 37 is very poignant as He says, "nevertheless (ye) have gone astray, notwithstanding a Shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto His voice!"

PS: Verse 35 and 36 are a warning.  I am not particularly fond of this language.  I believe we should be smart enough to interpret those words into language that is meaningful for us.  It's a case of not dismissing the message because we don't like the messenger.  The message is simple.  All of our actions have consequences.  The Lord is always trying to save us from the consequences of our actions and help us see healthier and happier ways to live.  I look at the language here as symbolic and having experienced my share of emotional pain, I can relate.

35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire—

36 For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” – C. S. Lewis