7 Steps to Get Answers from God
Each of us wants to know how to get answers from God. We have been taught to have faith, to believe and to pray. Recently I was reading the scriptures and was presented with new insight on receiving answers from God.
In 1820 a young boy from New York state wanted to receive direction from God. He had been confused by the different denominations seeking for his membership. He had listened to each of their discourses and read the scriptures searching to know which of these denominations he should join. One day while studying the scriptures he read James 1:5:
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
In his own words he said:
“Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
“At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.” (Italics added)
He decided that he lacked wisdom concerning which church he should join. He designated a day and went into a grove of trees by his home to open his heart to God and gain the wisdom he sought. He was given a glorious manifestation of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. They told him not to join any church as God’s true church was not yet on the earth. He had his answer.
Several years later he wondered where he stood before God. He had made mistakes and wasn’t sure if his actions had cost him his relationship with God.
In his own words he said:
“I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.” (Italics added)
Again, he received a heavenly messenger directing him in the next steps he should take in order to do God’s will.
Now, I have never seen a heavenly messenger. I also admit that this story can be a little overwhelming hearing it the first time, but there are valuable lessons that can be learned from it about asking for answers from God.
Study the Scriptures. This young man had read and studied the scriptures; searching for an answer. We must study the scriptures, full of faith that God has answers in them. Not just a passive reading but a soul searching. They do have His words. We can find answers.
Ponder. Not only did he study them, he pondered what he read. “I reflected on it again and again.” How many times have I read and then forgotten? Even if I got insight that morning, often by afternoon I have forgotten what I read. We have to think about what information the Lord gives us and use it to receive further knowledge and direction.
Believe God has answers. He knew that the answer had to come from God. He had searched everywhere else and had nowhere else to turn. God wants us to be informed. He wants us to use the resources He has given us to find answers. I believe the best way to do that is to involve God in the search. He will give you the direction and information you are looking for if He is a part of your search.
Have Faith. This young man believed that God would fulfill his promise and “would give liberally.” God wants to give to us. He wants to bless us and answer us. More often than not it is us who are holding the blessings from God away. We must have faith that He will answer and take the steps toward finding that answer with confidence that God will guide us there. Faith is a verb, or action word, and not an adjective.
Be Still. He went to a quiet place. He didn’t just pray quickly before getting into bed. He chose a specific place, set aside time and went there alone ready to talk to God. When we truly want an answer from God about something very important, we must show that we want to receive the answer. That takes sacrifice, whether it be of our time being set aside in such a way we won’t be interrupted or putting ourselves in a sacred place where we feel close to God. This could be out in nature, inside a temple or church, or just a quiet place in your home. Open your heart to God and listen for His answer.
Ask for Forgiveness. He “betook myself to prayer and supplication . . . for forgiveness for all my sins.” The Lord wants us to repent. He wants us to use Christ’s Atonement. When we come before God humbled and ask for forgiveness of our sins, we are admitting our weaknesses and our need for God. When we repent, we are then free of sin and God can more easily bestow upon us His knowledge.
Trust He will answer. This young man trusted God would answer him. “I had full confidence.” Sometimes when we want an answer, we don’t believe we will receive it. Maybe we don’t feel worthy, maybe we don’t have enough faith. But I testify that if we will believe He will answer us, we will receive our answer. Maybe not right away as in the case with this young man but when showing God our faith and our trust, we will receive.
I know that by following this pattern of:
Studying the Scriptures
Pondering
Believing God has answers
Having Faith
Being Still
Asking for Forgiveness
Trusting He will answer
we can receive the answers we seek; just as this young man named Joseph Smith received answers. God can answer our prayers and use us to progress His gospel and the truths He wants revealed. I know God loves you and those you love. He will always be there for us and will never forsake us. He is our eternal father.
