RELIEF SOCIETY
AUG. 26, 2012
HOW TO OBTAIN REVELATION AND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PERSONAL LIFE
May 2012 Ensign, by Elder Richard G. Scott
Portions of the talk are included in this weeks blog.
Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? Because that is
how revelation is received. The Holy Ghost communicates information we
need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and
essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of
promptings to guide us step by step to a worthy objective, for the
purpose of this message, it is inspiration.
President Spencer W. Kimball after long and continued supplication to
the Lord regarding the priesthood to all worthy men in the Church,
received a revelation that the time had arrived for all to be included.
President Joseph F. Smith said, "I believe we move and have our being
in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings."
Relationships can be strengthened through the veil with people we know
and love. That is done by our determined effort to continually do what
is right.
One of the great lessons that each of us needs to learn is to ask.
Yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive
away the Holy Ghost. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the
Spirit. Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness
in what is stated. Spiritual communication can be enhanced by good
health practices (exercise, adequate sleep, good eating habits). We
will live for our appointed life span. However, we can improve both the
quality of service and our well-being by making careful, appropriate
choices.
Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost
imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. In a dream He may
make revelation both easier to understand and more likely to touch our
hearts by teaching us through someone we love and respect. Inspiration
carefully recorded shows God that His communications are sacred to us.
Such recording of direction of the Spirit should be protected from loss
or intrusion by others. We can be taught from on high by keeping the
commandments.
One must be mentally and physically clean and have purity of intent so
that the Lord can inspire. For spirituality to grow stronger and more
available, it must be planted in a righteous environment. Humility is a
fertile soil where spirituality grows and produces inspiration to know
what to do. In the process of helping others, the Lord can piggyback
directions for our own benefit.
Two indicators that a feeling or prompting comes from God are that it
produces peace in your heart and a quiet, warm feeling. The more
closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness
here and for eternity - moreover, the more abundant your progress and
capacity to serve. The disposition to do right brings peace of mind and
happiness. Should choices be wrong, they can be rectified through
repentance.
Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a
sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We
receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith,
obedience, and the proper use of agency.
