Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.
This post focuses on a BYU (Brigham Young University) Hawaii Devotional from September 2019, and it is called "Holding On and Letting Go" by Elder L. Todd Budge. This post is part three, and I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. Elder Budge has mentioned the following; Now, let’s shift gears and discuss four things prophets and apostles have admonished us to hold on to that will increase our joy and our power to let go.
First, hold on to the Holy Ghost.
President Nelson pleads with us “…to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.” ... The Holy Ghost is our modern-day Liahona. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost will tell us all things we should do.
In other words, he will tell us what to hold on to and what to let go of. President Nelson warns that “…in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” ... It is a matter of survival.
We hold fast to the Holy Ghost by honoring our covenants, repenting regularly and often, sincerely seeking guidance through earnest prayer, and then acting on those promptings. If you haven’t been very diligent in these areas of your life, don’t give up! Pray to know what you need to stop doing, or start doing to welcome the Holy Ghost back into your life. ...
Second, hold on to your faith.
When we have questions, we should not assume that means that we are abandoning our faith. Not at all! Questioning and doubting are not the same thing. It is perfectly acceptable to have questions about the Lord’s doctrine, church history, church policies, etc. However, the lens through which we see those questions is the determining factor of whether our faith is strengthened or weakened.
Do our questions come from the perspective of doubt, or from a willingness to allow the benefit of the doubt?
... Conviction comes from the witness of the Holy Ghost that the things we do know and understand are true.
Nephi acknowledged that he did not know the meaning of all things, but that he knew that God loves his children.
Nephi is a great example of one who was willing to move forward in faith despite having an incomplete understanding of the meaning of all things. Hold on to your faith by seeking answers with a believing heart, in the places of light where the truth can be found, and in qualifying to be taught by the Spirit. ...
In the secular world, the first source we tend to go to for answers is the internet. But we need to keep in mind that the information we find there is often, in fact, misinformation, and is subject to the interpretations and philosophies of men, or worse - based on an agenda designed to manipulate the truth.
Instead, in seeking greater light we should go to the source of light and truth - the word of God as contained in the holy scriptures, in the words of His living apostles and prophets, and in answers received through personal revelation. ... I testify that there is power in God’s word.
The secular things you learn here at BYU Hawaii will bless your lives in many ways, but if not understood and applied in the context of eternal truth, they will not be sufficient to bring you the joy God desires for you. ...
Fourth, hold on to your covenants.
President Nelson admonished us “to keep on the covenant path”. He said, “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual privilege and blessing available to men, women and children everywhere."
“Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power...” As you partake of the sacrament each week, review the covenants you have made and recommit yourself to keeping those covenants. Making and keeping sacred covenants helps rivet our focus on Jesus Christ and His covenant promises.
I testify that as we hold fast to our covenants, we will have the power to live joyfully. However, please remember, the covenant path is not a path of perfection but a path of repentance. God’s expectation of us in mortality was not that we would never sin; if so, there would have been no need for Christ to sacrifice Himself to pay the price for our sins.
Heavenly Father’s expectation is that we continuously repent as we progress down the covenant path towards him. In conclusion, let’s summarize the four things to let go of and the four things to hold on to in order to increase our joy.
Regarding letting go: First, let go of our sins. Second, let go of our guilt once we have sincerely repented. Third, let go of any grudges and forgive everyone. And fourth, let go of our will, and submit it to God.
Regarding holding on: First, hold on to the Holy Ghost. Second, hold on to our faith. Third, hold on to the word of God. And fourth, hold on to our covenants.
Neal A. Maxwell said, “With our steady pursuit of joy and with each increasing measure of righteousness, we will experience one more drop of delight one drop after another until, in the words of a prophet, our hearts are ‘brim with joy’ (Alma 26:11). At last, the soul’s cup finally runs over!”
I testify that as you steadily progress along the covenant path, holding fast to that which is true and letting go of that which is not, that you will find joy along the way. No, life will not always be easy, and you will have your share of trials, sorrows and afflictions; you will also make your share of mistakes.
But I testify that our covenants, together with the atoning power of Jesus Christ will enable and ennoble us to find joy one drop at a time. ... On the one hand, there has never been a time in the history of the world where we have been more greatly blessed. On the other hand, Satan has never worked so hard to make us miserable like himself.
... Hold fast to that which is of God, and let go of those things that will interfere with your happiness. God and Jesus Christ love you. President Nelson loves you and I love you. I pray that you will look to God and discover the joy that He has prepared for you. ..."
If you would like to read the whole devotional either now or in your own time, here is the link below.
Stay Tuned until next time.
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