On Tuesday, Sept. 11, I awoke to the news that one of the World Trade Towers in New York City was engulfed in flames. I called to my son, Korey, to come up and see what was happening. He had just received his mission call and this was his assigned field of labor. Together we watched in shocked disbelief as the other fateful events unfolded.

My mother telephoned Korey to see if he was aware of what was happening. He said, "Grandma, they're bombing my mission!"

The stunning feeling of helplessness in those moments led to much soul-stirring reflection. Numerous questions came to my mind. What would the future hold for the nation? For our son? For his mission and the people living there?

That same week, I was studying the book of Alma, reading about the missions of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah, and the war chapters that follow. I was amazed at the number of parallels that began to emerge. Numerous questions were answered, such as, How can missionaries be effective in war-torn lands of strife? (See Alma 17-18.) Is defensive war justified by the Lord? (See Alma 43:46-47.) In the eyes of the Lord, do nations have a right to defend themselves when attacked? (See Alma 48:14.) Are there principles in society worth defending against evil? (See Alma 43:9, 26, 30, 45, 47-48.) How does making and keeping covenants affect our lives in times of conflict? (See Alma 46:19-20.) Can the hearts of enemies be softened? (See Mosiah 23:28-29.) Do the prayers of the righteous have any impact in times of conflict? (See Mosiah 24:12-16; Alma 10:22-23 and 62:40.) Is it possible to remain firm in the faith of Christ during times of conflict? (See Alma 48:9-19.)

Despite the perilous times described in the book of Alma, the words recorded give the comforting assurance that there can be prosperity and happiness, even during times of war and conflict (see Alma 50:23 and 2 Nephi 5:1-5, 27).

I was especially touched by the verses describing the impact missionaries can have, even on society as a whole: "For they did preach the word of God, . . . And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves" (Alma 48:19-20). Eventually, even secret combinations were eliminated by the preaching of the word of God (see Helaman 6:37-37). Ironically, the wars of men sometimes further God's purposes by softening the hearts of many and, in some measure, open the way for missionaries to go and establish the church and kingdom of God among those nations (see Alma 62:41).

As I thought about Korey serving in New York City, I read these words of the Lord, "Be not afraid, only believe" (Mark 5:36). I realized that this is not a time for fear, but greater faith, even as the Savior has declared: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

Sometimes it takes some great event to place things into perspective. The words of the Lord found in the scriptures bring peace. The prophets who recorded those words were told by the Savior what to include (see 2 Nephi 33:10-11; 3 Nephi 26:12 and 30:1).

President Boyd K. Packer has said, "If your students are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question — personal or social or political or occupational — that need go unanswered. . . . Therein is contained the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it." ("Teach the Scriptures," CES Address, Oct. 14, 1977.)

Sometimes scripture reading brings peace because it enables us to feel the voice and Spirit of the Lord (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 and 18:34-36).

As the Lord promised, great peace can be imparted through hearing or reading His words: "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me" (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23).

W. Jeffrey Marsh, a BYU associate professor of ancient scripture, is a member of the South Jordan 6th Ward, South Jordan Utah Stake, where he serves on the high council.