Personal revelation

[thebigcheese]

Okay everybody. I will openly admit that personal revelation has always been a tough subject for me. Let's say I have this big decision coming up. Sometimes I feel horrible about it, like it's a terrible idea and the worst thing in the world. Other times, I feel like I'm being comforted, like everything is going to be okay and this path is just fine for me. I've read up a lot on the subject, but I feel like I'm getting mixed signals, so to speak. What am I supposed to do about that?

[C is for]

Hmm. Let's just say that your big decision is marriage. Marriage = making important covenants = creating eternal families = the point. Does Satan want you to make those covenants? Nope. He'll do whatever's in his power to make you feel like it's the wrong thing to do.

In the case of other big decisions, I have that problem too! I've found that going to the temple helps a little. If nothing else it helps me recognize the Spirit so I can tell which of the feelings is from him.

[Marduk]

If indeed it is the Lord's will that you make the specific decision you have in mind, you are entitled to be at peace with the decision. Pray and ask the Lord for peace if this is the right decision. Second, counsel with your bishop. Third, analyze your life and attempt to do everything you can to become closer to the spirit. The closer you are to the spirit, the more certain you can be about any decision.

I don't know what the right answer is; just because you have peace sometimes doesn't mean it is the right decision, and just because you have turmoil about it sometimes doesn't mean it is the wrong decision.

[Gimgimno]

just because you have peace sometimes doesn't mean it is the right decision, and just because you have turmoil about it sometimes doesn't mean it is the wrong decision.

The man speaks truth. If every member of the Church understood this, many more people would have true testimonies of the Spirit.

[vorpal blade]

I think knowing when you are listening to the spirit and when you are listening to other voices is one of the most difficult lessons we have to learn. And I am still learning.

When I have a big decision to make and I am praying for guidance I try to study it out in my mind. What are my options? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each option? How will I feel about the decision I make 5 years from now? Twenty years from now? Do the scriptures, talks by General Authorities, advice given to me by my bishop, parents, home or visiting teachers, or other teachers shed any light on the subject? Don't be afraid to ask your bishop or parents for counsel.

As you pray about it try to be as worthy of receiving an answer as you can be. Keep all of the commandments. Read the scriptures daily. Remember to say your prayers often. Pay your tithing, keep the word of wisdom, go to the temple (if you can), attend your church meetings and pay attention. Read uplifting literature. And listen to what the spirit is trying to tell you.

You may receive conflicting impressions. Some of these will be from Satan trying to lead you astray. Some of them will be your personal wants and fears. It is amazing what fear can do. Fear of failing, fear of ridicule, fear of the unknown, fear of opening yourself up to being hurt. Sometimes we want a certain answer so much that we have a hard time listening to the true voice. Try to identify the source of each feeling.

After you have done all that, make a decision. If it seems right, if you feel like you have received a confirmation of the spirit, if you have had a peaceful feeling of assurance, and if it is consistent with what those who love you believe is right for you, then your feelings of panic, fear, and doubt are probably of the devil and you just need to develop more faith in the Lord.

Sometimes God lets us struggle on our own in order to teach us more humility and trust in the Lord.

Those are my personal feelings on the matter.

[Laser Jock]

I've recommended this talk several times on the Board, but Elder Holland gave a devotional a while back on this very topic called "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence." It's worth checking out.

[vorpal blade]

Excellent, Laser Jock. What Elder Holland says is so true.

[krebscout]

Sauron and I have always found that fasting helped to clarify our thoughts.

[Wisteria]

Elder Holland has a most excellent book entitled "Trusting Jesus" that contains many talks that may be applicable to this thread, including "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence." I strongly recommend it.