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“Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.”   Years ago, when I found this anonymous quote, it served as a wake-up call for me.

In the service of God, and as His daughter, did I spend too much time trying to make my case before Him instead of listening for His will? Did I feign to turn over my burdens to our Savior, but quietly hang on to my own agenda, old festering feelings, or a hard-headed sense that my way was the only way I wanted things to go?

What do we do when life gets to us and we do not know which way to turn? For sure, there is a better way than hanging on, trying to do it all alone.

There is no good reason to “go it alone” in this world, relying solely upon our own judgment and ideas, when we have good people to turn to. More importantly, we have a God who will hear us and will lovingly and properly advise us whenever we go to Him.

Parents and Leaders

“I need to ask my parents.”  “I need to check with my Mom.”  “Dad, what do you think?”

“It would be good to find out how my youth leader feels about this.”  “Let's make an appointment with the bishop, and get his advice.”

Obtaining wise counsel when we need it is a great blessing. I was blessed with “goodly parents” who were clear-thinking and wise in their words. As a teenager and young adult, there were a few times when I listened to what they had to say, but did not really hear a thing. Eventually, having taken the longer or more convoluted route to wisdom and understanding, I would find myself right back where I should have started — hearing what my parents had said, and better appreciating their advice.

On more than one occasion, I have found a safe haven and a truly hearing ear with a good bishop. One who is a father of his ward can offer kind and insightful guidance when needed. When we are seeking for higher and brighter ground, a bishop's words may give us a better foundation from which to grow.

Good counsel offers insight, safe boundaries, and direction that may bless us with a safer mortal journey. Often, that needed counsel comes from our family members and leaders.

One Clear Path

There is one clear, personal means of taking counsel on a continual basis. This counsel is available to us whether we are securely tucked away from the world in a safe home; out in the world to take care of business; navigating the hallways of school; serving out in the mission field, or in an isolated spot where we are far away from those who are familiar to us. That counsel is available to us when we pray.

Prayer is a clear path for personal communication with our Father in Heaven. It is the means of receiving ongoing, personal counsel. In all things, in all places, in all circumstances, we can pray. With a heart wide open to heavenly answers, we will receive the guidance we desire, regardless of the question or concern.

Pray Always

If we find ourselves in a frame of mind that would inhibit the spirit of prayer, we might accept that as a means of counsel to place ourselves in a more suitable environment. If our situation is such that we are in a nerve-wracking situation, that prayer within our heart will ease our fears until we can extricate ourselves. 

President Harold B. Lee once spoke of a woman who laughed at the idea of someone praying 24/7. I paraphrase President Lee's words here, but his idea was that if she ever found herself in circumstances of a heart-rending nature, she would be humbled to participate in this kind of ongoing prayer. He told her that he had prayed for a day and a night, a day and a night, and a day and a night. Not always on his knees, but with a prayer constantly in his heart.

Any of us who have gone through extremely adverse and dark situations, or who have felt a mantle of responsibility, have recognized the power and blessing of praying 24/7!

God Lives There

There is marvelous light to be gained from taking the counsel of heaven. No one knows us better or believes in us more than does our Father in Heaven. When times are tough, He is there — waiting for us to ask, to seek, and to knock.  His tender counsel will be felt by the Holy Spirit which attends, and peace will enter our hearts. Check with parents and leaders and trusted friends. But always ratify with our Father in Heaven.