As I was listening to the newest batch of hymns, the song “Look Unto Christ” by Sherrie Manwill Boren especially touched my heart. The hymn not only features gorgeous chord resolutions but also speaks powerfully to the lived experience of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
The verses weave together the earthly realities of dark nights of the soul, worldly voices, and heartbreaking grief with four “slogans for times of need” from the scriptures:
- “Doubt not.”
- “Fear not.”
- “Heed not.”
- “Press on.”
“Look Unto Christ” is a profound reminder that the Savior is the ultimate Source of healing, guidance, and enduring well. It is also a moving personal testimony, reflecting Sherrie’s own experiences managing anxiety as a teenager and young adult.
The Moment That Planted the Seed for the Song
As a teenager, Sherrie struggled with anxious thoughts she couldn’t shake. “I was just getting to know my Savior, but I was already well acquainted with fear,” she wrote. “I had been a worrier for most of my life. Although I was as safe and healthy as a person could be, I was often secretly afraid that something terrible was about to happen.”
But a seminary devotional left a strong impression on her soul, reminding her that she could always turn to Jesus Christ. At one point during the program, the presenters introduced that year’s scripture on a large screen: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).
“From my seat in the darkness, I felt my heart stir,” Sherrie reflected. “As I gazed at those glowing words across the stage, I felt peace. The meeting closed and I went on with life, but that verse stayed with me. A seed had been planted.”
How the Composer Found Comfort in Him
Years later, during her first year of college, Sherrie’s anxiety intensified. During a particularly dark time, she decided to read every scripture reference listed under “Comfort” in the Topical Guide. Of that season, she wrote:
“The scriptures showed me that I could trust Jesus Christ completely. In fact, I was safer in His hands than anywhere else. Instead of focusing on my fears and doubts, I gradually learned to lift my gaze toward Christ. I drew comfort from scriptures and hymns about Him. During anxiety attacks, I would recite their reassuring words to myself over and over again. I also found comfort in my weekly visits to the temple. As I reached for my Savior, His power began to flow into my life, bringing peace and assurance, along with courage and strength to face future challenges. I have never looked back.”
This turning point in her life inspired “Look Unto Christ,” which she submitted to the new hymnbook project in 2018.
Patterns of His Presence in Life and Lyrics
Just as Sherrie has been able to find comfort in the Savior throughout her life, the lyrics of “Look Unto Christ” reflect the constancy of His presence. For example, verse 1 states:
“One day you’ll see in glory bright
The Lord, who led you through the night.
Look unto Christ; receive His light.
Doubt not.”
This message reminds us that even when mental health challenges make it difficult to feel His presence, the Savior has never left our side. Other similar verses teach:
“Look to your Lord, for He is there
With wondrous pow’r and tender care.
Go forth in faith; reach out in prayer.
Fear not.” (verse 2)
“Someday with joy you shall ascend
And kneel before your Lord and Friend.
He walks beside you to the end.
Press on.” (verse 4)
While mental health challenges can be ongoing and may require outside support, looking unto Christ can give us the healing strength we need to “press on.” In her composer’s statement, Sherrie testified: “We may be encompassed by darkness and uncertainty, but as we rivet our focus upon the Savior, our fears will fade and we will find the strength to move forward, trusting that He is by our side.”
Listen to the full hymn in the player below. You can also find the sheet music and an “About the Hymns” resource on the Church’s website.
“Look Unto Christ”
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