Fasten Your Seatbelt (No. 9)
From his talk Overcome the World and Find Rest
Part of the President Nelson Series
All blue quotes by President Russell M. Nelson (unless otherwise noted).
Oh goodness, this quote from President Nelson is so overwhelming, I am crying. It ricochets within my soul with force and the brightness of hope:
I reaffirm a profound teaching of President Ezra Taft Benson: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, … lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.”
What does it mean to turn our life over to God? I know part of it is starting the day with prayer or other ways of seeking Him first thing. That includes scriptures, excellent and inspiring content, meditation, or pondering about eternal things. Another part is the willingness to make our lives more about others, about strengthening the Kingdom, and to watch for those opportunities. Those are some ways of letting God into our lives and allowing Him to steer us.
President Nelson loves making lists as he studies – I’ve come to love them too. They bring clarity and organization to my mind.
Ezra Taft Benson’s List
As I bring God more fully into my life, it will become more meaningful, clear and rich. It’s a piece-by-piece kind of blessing – so upgrade your efforts now. It will upgrade all your tomorrows.
A Daily Life with God
- deepens my joys
- expands my vision
- quickens my mind
- lifts my spirits
- multiplies my blessings
- increases my opportunities
- comforts my soul
- raises up [real] friends
- pours out peace
Is there anything on this list you wouldn’t mind more of?
Remember, you can pray for these things and converse with Heavenly Father about these things. Expect miracles as you step closer to Him and Jesus Christ and as you expand your relationship with Them. Expect miracles when you build up how much you sincerely pray with effort and soul.
I Plead With You NOW
These incomparable privileges follow those who seek the support of heaven to help them overcome this world. To this end, I extend to members of the entire Church the same charge I gave to our young adults last May. I urged them then—and I plead with you now—to take charge of your own testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Work for it. Nurture it so that it will grow. Feed it truth. Don’t pollute it with false philosophies of unbelieving men and women. As you make the continual strengthening of your testimony of Jesus Christ your highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life.
Our dear prophet gives clear instructions on navigating the chaos around you. They are proactive steps and require movement and intention on your part. Change your day – change your life. Change some habits, and open much better doors.
- Take charge of your own testimony of Jesus Christ
- Learn more about the gospel so you can gain a testimony of it
- Work for it (be intentional – start new habits)
- Nurture it so it will grow (keep it up – pick it back up)
- Feed it truth (read inspired content, hang out with inspired people)
- If someone is not a believer – take their manmade wisdom with a truckload of salt
- Make your testimony of Jesus your HIGHEST PRIORITY (right now, we’re out of time).
- Watch for miracles and take the time to notice them, both small and great
This is what will get you through the chaos, the darkness, and the sea of troubled voices and philosophies.
Final Comment
As I watch the world deteriorate and evil brazenly show its face everywhere without shame or censure – I am so grateful for a prophet’s guidance and for the resources the Heavens have gifted us to navigate a fallen world.
Godspeed you as you and the Savior become closer to each other.
62 And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Jesus Christ speaking in the Doctrine and Covenants 88:62-63)
For teaching helps – please see “5 Highlights for “Overcome the World and Find Rest” by President Nelson.
0 Comments