I found myself praying more as a daughter would talk to her father this morning. It was very comforting. He heard my happy thoughts, my complaints, and my desires. I shared more about my daily concerns than I usually do and I felt like He was truly there listening and loving me. It was a great way to start my day.
Today I am studying Article of Faith 10:
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
The first quote I read this morning touched my heart. It is a quote by Elder James E. Talmage concerning the children of Israel.
"...Israel are not lost unto their God. He knows whither they have been led or driven; toward them His heart still yearns with paternal love."
I love the words 'His heart still yearns with paternal love'. I think that is a true statement to all of His children.
The topic of God as the literal father of my spirit has been on my mind lately. I have been contemplating what it will be like to see Him again. Questions such as: What will He look like? How will I recognize Him? and will He be happy to see me? have been floating around in my head. As I study His character, I wonder, what traits do I have that come from Him? Is He proud of the person I have become? Does He miss me?
Just as God yearns for me with fatherly love, I have found myself yearning for Him as his child. I want a closeness that I don't yet have, a tighter relationship, a oneness that let's me know that I am doing His will. I have glimpses of oneness, but I yearn for more. The amazing thing is, He wants more for me too.
He has given me instructions on how to get closer to Him:
- study the scriptures (2 Ne 32:3)
- love one another (John 13:34)
- pray (D&C 19:38)
- keep His commandments (John 15:10)
- learn about Jesus Christ (Alma 38:9; John 10:38))
- believe (Mosiah 4:9)
- draw near to Him (D&C 88:63)
It is by following these instructions I am led to this desire to be closer to him.
What power there is in the words "God yearns". The fact that God feels such a strong emotion towards his children impresses upon my heart how much He loves me. The thought that He is yearning for me to be with Him again fuels my desire for more closeness. It helps me to understand the importance of strengthening my relationship with Him and it reassures me that He is on my side. I am feeling very loved by my Father today!
:)
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