It's funny how often I need this reminder. With the busyness of life and everything that goes on around all of us, it's easy to feel lost and confused. You wonder if it'll ever get easier. And I'll tell you now, it doesn't. It does become more manageable when you recognize that you have a loving Heavenly Father. He, the Most Supreme Being in the universe, wants the best for YOU. He knows your name, and knows more about you than you do. He wants us to return to Him so that we can become like Him! He has sent us so many helpers along the way back too!
1. He Loves You - He gave His Only Begotten Son
This
scripture is seen during big sporting events, but think of the true meaning of
it. Imagine that you are God, that you gave your only son up.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosever believeth in him should not perish, but shall have everlasting life.”
He
did it for you. He gave up His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we all have the
opportunity and choice to follow God. Without Christ, we would be forever cut
off from His presence. Christ was perfect and an example that we strive to
follow. We can pray to our Heavenly Father for the Chirstlike attributes of
love, patience, humility, and forgiveness. We can become disciples of Christ
and truly be an example of the believers (1 Timothy 4:12).
2. He Loves You - He gave us the Holy Ghost
We are also blessed with the third member of the Godhead, TWENTY FOUR SEVEN. That's pretty monumental when you realize what it really means. The Holy Ghost is awesome. He is always there if we are making the right decisions. He's the best friend that never leaves, the coach that pushes you to do your best, and your parental unit that makes you feel guilty when you know you shouldn't be doing something. It's pretty cool! He's our tour guide. We've been dropped in from a plane into Afghanistan and He knows how to safely get out of the battleground. That way is the Gospel. That way is Christ. Don't take for granted one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. If we recognize that we are being led by the Spirit, we will become more obedient, more loving, and will be filled with more light! In some of my toughest days, the Holy Ghost reminds me to read my scriptures, or ironically, write a blog post. And I feel like I can conquer any temptation after I do these things. It brings me an inner peace that is unmatched.
"And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall
teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go;" (D&C 79:2)
3. He Loves You - He gave you a Family
Families are so great. My sister makes me laugh on an every day basis. My brothers are serving full-time missions and they couldn't be a greater example. My oldest sister has a 7-month old angel and she is an example to me in how families should be. My other brother (big family) served an honorable full-time mission and is always looking to have a good time. I wouldn't have my family any other way. I think that goes the same for all of us. He is the perfect match-maker! :) I love that families can be together forever and that I will be with mine for eternity. In a booklet for the youth of the church it states:
"Being part of a family is a great blessing. Your
family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct
principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life." - For the Strength of Youth
I hope that we all go to our family if we are ever feeling down or alone. Ask for a father's blessing or just ask to talk to your parents. I'm 101% sure they will say yes! As you can see, there are so many sources of comfort that our Heavenly Father gave us. I'm not even close to naming them all! He does this because He Loves You.
4. He Loves You - He gave us the Scriptures
"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word,
and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall
have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of
men." (D&C 11:21). He gave us the scriptures so that we can learn more of Him. He gave us the scriptures so that we can learn, understand, gain a sure testimony, and strengthen others through our own knowledge of the divine truths in it. The prophets of old and today are great examples of their love to others and to God. They understood that God loved them and they wanted/want to share that with the whole world! The scriptures hold the keys to spiritual protection. In 1 Nephi 15:24 we see that: "...whoso would hearken unto and would
hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the
fiery darts of the adversary overpower them to lead them away to destruction."
5. He Loves You - He gave you Friends
I have never met anyone who doesn't need friends. We all need people in our lives to laugh with, someone we can count on, and someone we can use as a shoulder to cry on. Life is hard, and friends ease that burden. In my experiences, friends have either gone through what you have and know what to say, or they just telepathically know what to say, and it kind of shocks you how cool they are. I have realized that as I have been growing up that my friend pool has diminished. My standards haven't. Those that weren't respecting for who I was and what I believe in were distracting me from what I really want for my future. To serve a full-time mission and marry in the temple with my beautiful bride-to-be (whoever that is). Friends are there to help you back up. Let's make the scriptures our friend. Let's make our famlies our close friends. Let's make the Holy Ghost our spirit friend. Let's make Christ our BEST friend.
I know that this Church is true and that God loves YOU. He knows you by name. He knows you and me. We are one in billions but He loves us! Never forget that. And if you need anything, you can ALWAYS pray. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
