Me Thinks

From a family text chain today:

Someone posed this question (I'll call them Family Member #1): How do we receive a testimony/confirmation of things that have become habitual to us (i.e. scriptures study, daily prayer, fasting)? Curious about your thoughts/insight.

Reply: Does that mean you have been doing them but don't have a testimony yet of them?

Reply: Or you feel like you have received a testimony initially but don't feel as much or as frequently anymore as you perform these habits?

Family Member #1: Could be that, or could be where you're reading the scriptures all the time but maybe not having some big experience of truth.  It could be rephrased of how do we receive a confirmation sufficient to motivate us to carry on in what we're doing.  We aren't going to receive a life-altering answer to prayer every time we finish the BOM and ask if it is true, but we also aren't going to get radio silence.  So how do we put ourselves in position to recognize that we are receiving spiritual nourishment or strength in the little things we do that may tend to seem mundane if we aren't careful? Keeping the fire alive, but also continuing to receive a sure witness of their truths.

Reply: John 7: 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.

Joy Jones: "Accidental conversion is not a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Becoming like our Savior will not happen randomly."

President Nelson: "The Lord loves effort.  The Lord loves consistency.  The Lord loves steadfastness."

As good as these thoughts are, I don't think you were asking for why we should be religious daily, but rather how we can keep ourselves motivated on that path. I believe that if a person is diligent and sincere, the Spirit will come into their lives and fill them with a desire to continue on this path.  Consistency becomes easier.  The Spirit encourages you along, and you feel the blessings of heaven in your life.

Reply: Have you ever not done those things for a period in your life? There's been periods in my life where I've been less consistent with my scripture study or lazy with my prayers, and it doesn't take me long to realize why I'm suddenly less patient or struggling more with small things. 

I may not always see the daily benefits when I am doing them, but I certainly notice a gap in my life when I am not. 

The other analogy I would use is lifting weights. I go to the gym to stay in shape and feel strong.  Now that I am 40, I need regular exercise to keep my body at its healthiest.  If I get lazy and go a few weeks without exercising, I feel more aches and pains.  

My biggest testimony of these things is the simple fact that my life seems more peaceful when I am doing them than when I am not.

Family Member #1: That's how I notice it most as well.  This week I was not good until last night, and I immediately noticed a difference.  I'd love to not have to get lazy in order to notice the blessing the little things are in my life.