Having the Spirit with us on a continual basis is a gift that we receive after baptism – the gift of the Holy Ghost. Each week, as we renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament, we are promised this gift if we do three things. They are outlined in the sacrament prayer and include being “willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep His commandments.” When we do so, the Lord promises “that they may always have his spirit to be with them.” (Moroni 4:3). If we do these three things, we will have the Spirit to guide us. God will not leave us to navigate our earthly experiences alone.
The Voice of the Spirit Protected Me
It was a rainy late spring day, and I had just finished teaching school in Mountain View, Alberta. I decided I needed to visit my mom in Raymond about 50 miles away. By the time I got to Leavitt, the rain started again, and by Cardston, it had turned to snow. No stranger to driving in these conditions, I continued, but within a few minutes, it had turned into a heavy, slushy mess. I could not see anything through the windshield and slowly reduced my speed. Suddenly, I came upon taillights in front of me. I instantly touched my brakes, only to feel my car begin to slide. I was certain that I would hit the car in front of me. I steered to the left to pass but could not see through the snow if anyone was coming towards me. At that exact moment, I heard a very loud voice saying, “Take the ditch!” Carefully, I turned the wheel and headed for the shoulder.
Without any warning, the car in front of me made a U-turn. I saw the driver’s surprised look on his face, which indicated to me he was not aware that I was behind him. Had I not listened to that voice, I would have broadsided his car. I sat in my car on the shoulder of the road and calmed my trembling hands. Then, with a prayer in my heart, I carefully turned around and headed back home.
I have spent many years trying to learn how the Spirit speaks to me. I think I always expected a grandiose, earth-shattering experience. However, I have learned that it most often comes through small means. Yes, sometimes the Spirit has to shout, depending on the circumstances, as in this experience. We are promised the spirit of revelation to be guided daily, but it is up to us to be prepared to listen and to act when the Spirit speaks.
Humility Brings Comfort
About six months ago, I had another sweet experience with the Spirit. I love serving in the temple as an ordinance worker. One Saturday, I was experiencing some feelings of inadequacy. I felt no one was aware of my struggles, and I was feeling quite alone. I even felt like I had been abandoned by my Savior. However, I put on a smile and looked for ways to serve.
After completing one of my assignments, I walked back toward the dressing room. I happened to glance at a painting on the wall. I felt like I was caught in a tractor beam, which seemed to pull me over to stand in front of the painting. It depicted the Savior high up in the hills, holding a lamb tenderly in His arms while the rest of the flock grazed below. As I stood there, it was as if the Savior was speaking directly to me, and in my heart, I felt Him say, “Of course I know who you are. I know your needs and your struggles. Never doubt that.”
I felt like I was that lamb in His arms, protected and loved. With tears in my eyes, I felt the love of Jesus wash over me, healing my wounded soul. I hurried to my next assignment, all feelings of loneliness gone. What a beautiful moment of assurance that was! The Spirit communicated to me my Savior’s love. I had not expressed my feelings out loud to anyone, but the Lord knew what I needed to hear.
A Dream Testifies of Him
One more way I learned how the Spirit communicates with me was through a dream. This happened over 40 years ago. In the dream, I was standing by the Sea of Galilee, where the Savior was speaking with His disciples. He was telling them it was time for Him to leave. It was very vivid. I remember how tall He seemed, how blue His eyes were, and how desperately I wanted to be with Him. I knelt at His feet and begged Him to take me with him. Very kindly and lovingly, He reached down and lifted me up to stand beside Him. Speaking softly, He said, “My child, that is completely up to you.”
From that dream, I learned that, yes, it is in my power to be with my Savior and God the Father, but there are things I must do to earn that privilege. I must stay close to Them, keep the commandments, and model my life after Them.
I have learned over the years that the Spirit communicates to us in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it takes a loud voice to get our attention; sometimes, it is a thought in our heads; sometimes, it is a dream. I know that the more we strive to keep God’s commandments, take His name upon us and always remember Him, we will always have His spirit to guide us. It is up to each of us to listen and act upon the promptings of the Holy Ghost. If we do so, I know we will always be guided to safely return to Him.