As a youth, many years ago, I participated in a high adventure camp. This adventure involved a float trip in a rubber raft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the mountains of central Idaho. The Middle Fork starts at an elevation of 7,000 feet and drops down to 3,900 feet, providing approximately 100 miles of nearly continuous rapids along the way. It’s known as one of the best river trips in the world, boasting approximately 300 rapids. Some of the more notable rapids include Sheepeater, Pistol Creek, Haystack, Porcupine, and Cliffside.
Our float trip was truly a hands-on experience. We were not passive passengers on a large commercial pontoon. For better or worse, we were the crew. The rubber rafts we used were about 12 feet long and typically held five crew members, each with a paddle. In the middle of the raft was our camping gear and food in waterproof bags. In total, the float trip was a five-day adventure.
Before beginning our float trip, there were many preparations that needed to be completed. The most shocking to the body was a swim check in the near-40-degree water. We also learned how to carefully pack our gear in the waterproof bags so the gear would remain dry for the duration of the trip, even were the raft to capsize. More on this later. But by far, the most critical information we received was from our guide. Our company consisted of approximately a half dozen rafts. As such, the guide could not be in each of the rafts. That made it all the more critical that we listen carefully to his instructions. Each time we neared a challenging section of whitewater rapids, the guide would have the company pull over to the bank of the river for a short but important instructional briefing. We would discuss the dangers ahead of us and the best path to take to safely navigate through the rapids. If an area of water was particularly dangerous because of turbulence, jagged rocks, or whirlpools, he would tell us how we could avoid those areas. He would also remind us what to do should the raft capsize or we get washed out of the raft. First, we needed to protect ourselves from the rocks in the rapids. We did this by using our life jackets for buoyancy and floating feet first. This allowed us to use our feet to protect our head and body from the rocks. Next, we were instructed to make our way to the riverbank as soon as it was safe so that we could be picked up by another raft in our company. And finally, we were instructed to hold onto our paddles, if possible, as they were a critical piece of equipment to help us navigate the river yet ahead. The safe passage of each raft and each individual in the raft was determined by how well we executed these instructions.
As I’ve pondered more deeply over the past few weeks this whitewater rafting adventure which occurred over 40 years ago, there are many gospel parallels that I could draw, but today I would like to focus primarily on the role of the guide and the importance of our following his instructions. The guide that I speak of is the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost fills many important roles in our lives. It is through the Holy Ghost that we gain a testimony of Jesus Christ and receive answers to our heartfelt prayers. Likewise, the Holy Ghost can bring things to our remembrance and warn us of danger. In addition, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify an individual and sanctify him or her from sin.
Elder Richard G. Scott taught:
The Holy Ghost communicates important information that we need to guide us in our mortal journey. When it is crisp and clear and essential, it warrants the title of revelation. When it is a series of promptings we often have to guide us step by step to a worthy objective . . . it is inspiration. [1]
Elder David A. Bednar shed further light on this subject by using two experiences that each of us have had with light to increase our understanding of how the Holy Ghost communicates with us.
Elder Bednar explains:
A light turned on in a dark room is like receiving a message from God quickly, completely, and all at once. Many of us have experienced this pattern of revelation as we have been given answers to sincere prayers or been provided with needed direction or protection, according to God’s will and timing. . . . This pattern of revelation tends to be more rare than common.
The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently “distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare. [2]
Today, I would like to discuss several aspects of communication with the Holy Ghost that are relevant to obtaining revelation and inspiration that will guide us in our personal lives. These include:
- Why do we need inspiration in our personal lives?
- How do we qualify to receive inspiration in our personal lives?
- How can we recognize when we are receiving answers from the Holy Ghost?
- What do we do when the answers don’t come?
So, why do we need inspiration in our personal lives?
Let’s return to Middle Fork float trip.
This particular year, the water was at record-high levels—so high, in fact, that the first week of scheduled floats were cancelled. We were scheduled for the second week. High water levels on the river can alter the float experience significantly. In our case, it made some rapids more challenging than on a normal-water-level year and other rapids less challenging. On our particular raft, none of the five of us had ever floated this river before. Our guide instructed us that we needed to work together in a coordinated way to maneuver the raft safely through the rapids. We practiced in smoother water and quickly learned the basics of raft navigation. By following the guide’s instructions, we were able to safely navigate our way through dozens and dozens of rapids.
With the high water that year, however, one set of rapids was particularly challenging. After instruction from our guide, we approached this set of rapids head-on with youthful enthusiasm. Words seem inadequate to describe this whitewater rapid we were about to encounter. I was seated in the back half of the raft. As we approached the edge of this rapid, the front end of the raft began to descend almost vertically over what seemed like a ten-foot waterfall. In an instant the entire raft was now down at the bottom of this trough and beginning its ascent up an equally high wall of water, or backwash. The next moment, I found myself looking almost straight up as the raft climbed that wall of water, but the backwash was too high and our raft capsized, submerging us in the frigid waters of the Middle Fork River. The force of the river continued to propel me forward beneath the surface of the water. In Doctrine and Covenants 61:15 we read, “The days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters.” [3] I sincerely hoped and prayed this wasn’t that day. After a few moments, my life jacket did its job and brought me up to the surface, where I struggled to keep my head above the turbulent water, attempting to navigate my way through this whitewater rapid, as did my fellow crew members.
Because our guide had prepared us well, we knew what actions to take next: floating feet first to protect us from rocks in our path, hanging onto our paddles, and making our way to the river’s edge where we were able to recover our raft, turn it back over, and continue our trip. Because we followed our guide’s counsel we all made it safely through the rapid and back to our raft.
In his first general conference after being sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson stressed how important it is for each of us today to have the constant influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives:
We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation. . . .
. . . Jesus Christ . . . will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. . . . But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.[4]
In his devotional talk last week, Elder Jack N. Gerard also gave us counsel on learning to receive revelation.
Fundamental to our ability to abide the day . . . , we must strengthen our ability to hear the word of the Lord through His prophets and personal revelation. The primary source of this revelation will be given to you by the power of the Holy Ghost, “that ye may know the truth of all things.” It will come as impressions to your mind and feelings in your heart and you shall “feel that it is right” and recognize what is not right. [5]
How, then, do we qualify to receive inspiration in our personal lives?
Each of us can learn or increase our ability to be guided by the Spirit if we follow some practical principles that will enhance our ability to recognize and receive revelation in our own lives.
Elder Scott gave us the following suggestions:
- First, we need to eliminate emotions such as anger or defensiveness, as these emotions will drive the Holy Ghost away.
- We must also be cautious with humor. Loud or inappropriate laughter offends the Spirit, while a good sense of humor helps revelation and can serve as an escape valve for life’s pressures.
- Our speech should be careful and quiet, avoiding exaggeration, loudness, and inappropriate conversations or thoughts.
- We should also follow good health practices, including exercise, sufficient rest, and good eating habits.
And when impressions come, we need to carefully record them to show our Heavenly Father those impressions are sacred to us. [6]
Elder Bednar added the following:
Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit. [7]
On this week’s devotional discussion board, I posed the following question:
What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led by the Spirit to make correct decisions in your life?
I’d like to thank all those who responded for their wonderful insights and share a few of them with you. Some of my favorites include:
- Stand in holy places
- Schedule time each day to study, ponder, and pray
- Slow down and listen
- Attend the temple regularly
- Give service to others
- Have a willing heart
- Repent daily
Next, how can we recognize when we are receiving answers from the Holy Ghost?
In the spring of 1829, Oliver Cowdery began to serve as Joseph Smith’s scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon. Like many of us, Oliver did not recognize that he had been receiving answers to his prayers. The following revelation was given to Oliver through the Prophet Joseph:
Blessed art thou [Oliver] for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. . . .
. . . Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth. [8]
In short, Oliver received this revelation informing him that he had been receiving revelation that he had failed to recognize as revelation.
Sheri Dew, former counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, related the following experience:
In my early twenties, I faced a difficult decision and asked a friend for a priesthood blessing. He asked what the Lord had already told me, and I admitted that I could feel the presence of the Spirit but couldn't discern specific revelation. He then asked if I had ever asked the Lord to teach me what it felt like when He was speaking to me. I hadn't. But that night, I began to ask the Lord to teach me the language of revelation. [9]
Brothers and Sisters, are we sometimes like Oliver? Do we fail to recognize when our prayers have been answered? Have we done as Sister Dew suggested and asked the Lord to teach us what it feels like when He is speaking to us? Do you know what revelation feels like to you?
In his teachings about how we receive answers to prayers, Elder Scott taught:
I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit. Our Father expects you to learn how to obtain that divine help by exercising faith in Him and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. Were you to receive inspired guidance just for the asking, you would become weak and ever more dependent on Them. They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit. [10]
As I’ve pondered how we receive answers to prayers, my mind was drawn to an experience with our youngest son, Kimball. You see, Kimball has Down Syndrome. This condition makes many physical tasks and skills much more challenging for him to learn than for most of us. One of the skills that Kimball has struggled to learn is how to ride a two-wheel bicycle. Recently, we were made aware of a program called “I Can Bike,” which teaches kids with special needs to ride a bicycle.
It works by using a cone-shaped training wheel for additional stability and a support person jogging alongside. As the rider gains confidence and experience, the size of the cone is reduced and eventually removed and replaced with a normal wheel. The support person also fades into the background. The results of this program have been tremendous, with the vast majority of participants learning to ride a bicycle in less than a week.
Kimball is with us here today. Kimball, would you please come stand beside me for a minute?
Last summer, Kimball participated in this program and, though far from expert status, has newfound freedom, confidence, and joy from the simple pleasure of riding a bike. Here’s a brief video of Kimball in action:
Thank you, Kimball. That was truly inspiring.
When it comes to receiving inspiration for our personal lives, I think many of us are like Kimball learning to ride a two-wheel bike. We may lack confidence, feel a bit wobbly, and wish to have a support person giving us clear and immediate answers, but if we are persistent, our ability to be guided by the Spirit will increase. He will also help guide us through life’s whitewater rapids, and even when we get thrown out of the raft, He will lead us safely to shore and help us get back in the raft so we can continue on our journey.
But after striving to implement all we’ve discussed, what do we do when the answers to our heartfelt prayers don’t come?
Consider the following counsel from Elder Scott:
It is a mistake to assume that every prayer we offer will be answered immediately. Some prayers require considerable effort on our part. . . .
. . . We are here on earth to gain experience we can obtain in no other way. We are given the opportunity to grow, to develop, and to gain spiritual maturity. To do that, we must learn to apply truth. How we face challenges and resolve difficult problems is crucially important to our happiness. . . .
. . . When we explain a problem and a proposed solution, sometimes [Heavenly Father] answers yes, sometimes no. Often He withholds an answer, not for lack of concern, but because He loves us—perfectly. He wants us to apply truths He has given us. For us to grow, we need to trust our ability to make correct decisions. We need to do what we feel is right. In time, He will answer. He will not fail us. [11]
Finally, President Nelson counsels us on the importance of obedience, gratitude, and patience in seeking answers to our prayers:
To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you—even miracles—will follow. That is what personal revelation will do for you. [12]
Brothers and Sisters, I invite you to live your life to qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide you in your own whitewater adventure. I invite you to learn and increase in your ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit, by exercising faith and applying truths that our Heavenly Father has given us.
I testify that as you do these things, you will be able to navigate life’s whitewater rapids safely.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[1] Richard G. Scott, “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life,” Ensign, May 2012.
[2] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, May 2011; emphasis added.
[3] Doctrine and Covenants 61:15.
[4] Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018; emphasis added.
[5] Jack N. Gerard, “Abide the Day,” BYU-Idaho devotional, Oct. 28, 2019.
[6] See Richard G. Scott, “How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life,” Ensign, May 2012.
[7] David A. Bednar, “The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign, May 2011; emphasis added.
[8] Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15.
[9] Sheri Dew, “Will You Engage in the Wrestle?,” BYU-Idaho devotional, May 17, 2016.
[10] Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2009; emphasis added.
[11] Richard G. Scott, “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, Nov. 1989.
[12] Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018.