The definition of a pavilion is ‘a building in a park or garden that usually has open sides’. The thought came to me that this could relate to our Heavenly Father’s protection of us. As He covers us with His watchful care, he also leaves us the opening to be free to choose to step out from under his protection.
Pavilions are also spoken of in other contexts. In the depths of his anguish in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith cried out: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?” Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us as well. But, does God place a pavilion over us in order to hide or do we use the pavilion to hide away from God?
According to President Henry B. Eyring: “The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us. God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. Our own desires, rather than a feeling of “Thy will be done,” create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God. God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time… God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children.”
So, how can we ensure that the pavilion of protection doesn’t separate us from God? Prayer…
By Kathy Truman
