“Draw Near to God” : Light the World

Jesus Christ gave so much wonderful counsel and advice to His apostles at the Last Supper. He commanded them to "love one another", to "let not your heart be troubled;" promising "I will not leave you comfortless," and " if ye love me, keep my commandments." He promised that His mortal death would bring about everlasting life. He shared with them that whosever believed in Christ and took upon himself Christ's name, that the power of God would be with him.

"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 troubles, neither let it be afraid." St John 14:27 

I find myself stressed about my financial situation, finding motivation to begin work, and relationships with family, friends, and myself. However, I know that I don't need to feel those stresses when I have done all I can do, and am doing what the Lord has commanded. He provides a way, he always provides a way. He is the One to lift my spirits when I am feeling down, and He is the One who wipes away my tears. Christ is the One who can do what no one else can, Christ is my Redeemer, and my salvation! 

Christ knew life would be hard for His apostles when He left them, but He also knew that all of us would experience pain and hardship. His blessings and promises made of old apply to us, we can feel of His love and spirit as we take His upon us, love each other, and keep His commandments. We were not born into the world while the Savior was on the earth, but that doesn't mean His light and love don't apply to us! They apply more because we have faith in Him, without ever seeing Him. All of God's children will one day feel of His love and the Gospel! Those who are lonely, don't need to feel so because Christ is always there! His arms are extened towards you, turn to Him, and embrace the Savior! 

“Draw Nearer to God” : Counsel with the Lord

Alma shares advice with Helaman, his son, about keeping God in his heart! He testifies that we must rely on God for support, holding a prayer in our heart throughout the day to be led and guided by the Spirit. Alma shares that we should give the Savior our love and grateful hearts! We should praise His Holy name and remember His hand in our lives.

"O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God." 

Alma 37:35

Alma advises his son to learn wisdom, and to learn it early. As we strive to understand the teachings of the Lord, we will find wisdom in His words and truth to His promised blessings. We must learn early to trust God and to do as He commands, because His way is the ONLY way!

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yeah let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and He will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that He may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." 

Alma 37:36-37

We are to counsel with the Lord in all our doings, so that He can direct us to do good. We pray before bed, giving our complete trust to God in our most vulnerable state, that He will watch over us and protect us! We rise in the morning and praise God in thanksgiving for His protection and blessings upon us! Heavenly Father loves us beyond our own ability to comprehend, and our Savior Jesus Christ loves us as infinitely and intimitaly as our Father.

The principle of turning our will over to God, and going to Him for confirmation of our everday decisions is crucial to strengthening our relationship with Heavenly Father. He has blessed us with our freedom to choose (agency) and expects us to devote our lives to Him in return. We are able to do this through small and simple means, as well as great sacrifices. We devote our time and talents to serving others, which in turn is serving Him (Matthew 25:40 / Mosiah 2:17). As we come to Him with questions, asking in faith, and having already done all we could do, He will bless and provide the way for us to be eternally happy!

I know that by keeping Heavenly Father at the forefront of our mind, and by speaking with Him in our hearts, we will strenghten our connection with Him. We will be better suited to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we will be inspired to do His will amongst His children. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.