“… surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge …” – D&C 8:1
I have been pondering lately the ways the Lord speaks to me. This week’s Sunday School lesson of D&C 6-9 by Bro. Larry Juarez added to my pondering. Here is what is true for me:
Sometimes revelation is in hindsight. There have been many times when something has happened that caused me to look back and realize connections, places where the Lord’s hand was clearing guiding me in my life.
Sometimes I get the stupor of thought as referenced in D&C 9:9: “But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing that is wrong.” I have had things made clear to me that they were not meant to be with this stupor of thought. Literally my mind goes blank and all feeling inside flees as well. It really is like I’m trying to remember what I was trying to ask about.
Sometimes it is through the burning of bosom and expansion of chest like in D&C 9:8: “…and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” When this happens to me, the overwhelming love and gratitude that comes with this feeling is undeniable. However, I would like to note that just because I feel this once doesn’t mean that it is easier to follow through with whatever I prayed about. Often, it still requires work, courage, sacrifice, choice and commitment. Knowing is only part of it.
Sometimes I hear Him through conversation in prayer. I want to say it is words, but it’s not really; it happens faster than words. It’s more like an understanding, but I couldn’t explain it to someone in words, if that makes sense. These moments only happen when I am willing to be very vulnerable and my heart is completely honest. I have to open myself up to a pure and sincere desire to understand.
Regardless of how I hear Him, all of these moments require stillness in life and a willingness to listen and recognize His attempts to speak to us. We are His children. He will speak to us.
Forever grateful!
