D&C Section Sixty One

This is an interesting section, based on what occurred while Joseph Smith and the others are traveling by canoe on the Missouri river. This is one of many times you would have liked to have been with them. While they were camped, they were able to kill a wild turkey which gave them a good dinner. During this time, something occurred on the waters of the river. They became suddenly tumultuous in some way, making a great noise. Everyone heard the noise, but William W. Phelps saw Satan on the water. This led to the revelation. In it, the Lord reveals the waters have been cursed and are dangerous. This stems from the apostle John's vision in the Book of Revelation of Satan being cast upon the waters. In the last days, the waters have been cursed for this reason. But, while Satan does have control of some elements, the Lord has ultimate control over everything. So the Lord cautions them to be careful on the water, and in some cases tells them to only travel on land unless they are on a canal. The best verses to me are at the end where the Lord tells them not to fear, that he is in their midst and will not forsake them. If ever I am traveling, if I have some fears, I like to refer to these verses.