Continuing from yesterday’s post, wisdom from Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum or the Twelve Apostles (deceased):
The wise counsel often given to patriarchs to keep their homes and lives free from discord or tension certainly applies to us. Joseph Smith learned that lesson and had the courage to record it for our benefit. Spiritual direction will not come when the Spirit is offended by unresolved differences with our loved ones even though they are small. It certainly will not come in an environment where there is even occasional uncontrolled emotion, disharmony, or anger.
When one is caught in a whirlpool of emotion, it is difficult to find a way out alone. When answers to urgent prayer don’t seem to come, it can be that we don’t understand some truths about prayer, or because we don’t recognize answers when they come. From time to time, we may need additional help to see answers clearly, particularly when our challenges are difficult.
I remember visiting with a young woman who was struggling with a decision she had to make. As we discussed her situation, I said, “You have been a sister missionary. Have you prayed earnestly about this issue?”
“Why, is there something wrong?” she said.
I said, “It just seems like a logical thing to do. You’ve learned how to be guided by the Spirit. Why don’t you pray about it?” She admitted she had not done so in the way she had learned on her mission, and agreed that she would try.
The very negative response she got to her prayers led her to a decision that saved her from what clearly would have been a disastrous situation. But, partly because this was a very emotional decision, she needed a little assistance from an outside source to be reminded of how to find the guidance she sought.
Once I had an experience that caused me immense anxiety. It had nothing to do with disobedience or transgression but with a vitally important human relationship. For some time I poured my heart out in urgent prayer. Yet try as I might, I could find no solution, no settling of the powerful stirring within me. I pled for help from that Eternal Father I had come to know and trust completely. I could see no path that would provide the calm that is my blessing generally to enjoy. Sleep overcame me. When I awoke, I was totally at peace. Again I knelt in solemn prayer and asked, “Lord, how is it done?” In my heart, I knew the answer was His love and His concern for me. Such is the power of sincere prayer to a compassionate Father.
Know that our Father in Heaven will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His answers will seldom come when you are on your knees, even when you may plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. As you seek His counsel in moments of pondering, you will rejoice to find solutions to even your most perplexing problems. ~ Richard G. Scott, 21 Principles, Divine Truths to Help You Live by the Spirit (Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, 2013), 41-43
