The Desires of our Hearts determine the Attractiveness of Various Temptations

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts”

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/according-to-the-desire-of-our-hearts?lang=eng

“When people are described as ‘having lost their desire for sin,’ it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to ‘give away all [their] sins’ in order to know God.”

Therefore, what we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity.

Righteous desires need to be relentless, therefore, because, said President Brigham Young, “the men and women, who desire to obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle every day” (in Journal of Discourses, 11:14). Therefore, true Christian soldiers are more than weekend warriors...

What we are speaking about is so much more than merely deflecting temptations for which we somehow do not feel responsible. Remember, brothers and sisters, it is our own desires which determine the sizing and the attractiveness of various temptations. We set our thermostats as to temptations.

“Do you,” President Young asked, “think that people will obey the truth because it is true, unless they love it? No, they will not” (in Journal of Discourses, 7:55). Thus knowing gospel truths and doctrines is profoundly important, but we must also come to love them. When we love them, they will move us and help our desires and outward works to become more holy.

President Joseph F. Smith, “the education then of our desires is one of far-reaching importance to our happiness in life” (Gospel Doctrine,5th ed. [1939], 297).

Such education can lead to sanctification until, said President Brigham Young, “holy desires produce corresponding outward works” (in Journal of Discourses, 6:170).

Only by educating and training our desires can they become our allies instead of our enemies!


Elder Oaks, “Desire”

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2011/04/desire?lang=eng&clang=eng

As important as it is to lose every desire for sin, eternal life requires more. To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. 

For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God’s children.

If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings.

The Book of Mormon teaches us that we should “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ” (Moroni 7:48).

Scriptures Elder Maxwell included in his talk:

·         “For I [said the Lord] will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9; see also Jer. 17:10).

·         Alma said, “I know that [God] granteth unto men according to their desire, … I know that he allotteth unto men … according to their wills” (Alma 29:4).

·         “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:8–9).

·         God delights in blessing us, especially when we realize “joy in that which [we] have desired” (D&C 7:8).

·         Satan “[desires] that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Ne. 2:27).

·         With their baptismal commitments spelled out specifically, “they … exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts” (Mosiah 18:11).

·         The Nephite multitude, enraptured by the presence of the resurrected Jesus, knelt in humble and intensive prayer, yet “they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire” (3 Ne. 19:24).

·         The absence of any keen desire—merely being lukewarm—causes a terrible flattening (see Rev. 3:15). 

·         Fortunately for us, our loving Lord will work with us, “even if [we] can [do] no more than desire to believe,” providing we will “let this desire work in [us]” (Alma 32:27). 

·         “let not thine heart envy sinners” is directed squarely at those with a sad unsettlement of soul (Prov. 23:17). 

·         It is they, and they only, who deliberately decided to lose those wrong desires by being willing to “give away all [their] sins” in order to know God (Alma 22:18).

How to Increase our Faith

I grew up in the Church, but as a teenager I worried that I didn't have a testimony because I was looking for a big Alma-type experience. For me, the first thing I was positive I had a testimony about (and this was after I was married) was I gained a testimony that prayers are answered. Many of the answers/mini-miracles I received fit into a category I labeled in my mind as “possible coincidences” or “can be explained away.” But then I also had some answers/mini-miracles that had no other possible explanation than an answer to prayer or tender mercy. Then one day I realized how important Hebrews 11:1 was to my testimony. The JST version reads: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” All of those answers to prayers, became evidence that there was a God.

In the Book of Mormon, Jacob said it this way:

   “Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

    “Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things” (Jacob 4:6–7).

Unfortunately the memory of those blessings fade. As President Eyring taught: “great faith has a short shelf life.”  I believe this is why we are commanded to keep a journal so we have a record of all the evidence.

Back in the October 2008 General Conference I learned something from Elder Neal A. Anderson I had never thought about before. He said:

Several years ago a friend of mine had a young daughter die in a tragic accident. Hopes and dreams were shattered. My friend felt unbearable sorrow. He began to question what he had been taught and what he had taught as a missionary. The mother of my friend wrote me a letter and asked if I would give him a blessing. As I laid my hands upon his head, I felt to tell him something that I had not thought about in exactly the same way before. The impression that came to me was: Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. He would need to choose faith.

In addition, Richard C. Edgley in October 2010 General Conference said:

Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism.

James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ

But there is in Christ's question, "Who touched me?" a deeper significance than could inhere in a simple inquiry as to the identity of an individual; and this is implied in the Lord's further words: "Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me." The usual external act by which His miracles were wrought was a word or a command, sometimes accompanied by the laying on of hands, or by some other physical ministration as in anointing the eyes of a blind man.  That there was an actual giving of His own strength to the afflicted whom He healed is evident from the present instance.

Passive belief on the part of a would-be recipient of blessing is insufficient; only when it is vitalized into active faith is it a power; so also of one who ministers in the authority given of God, mental and spiritual energy must be operative if the service is to be effective. 

Howard W. Hunter Oct 1974

Whether seeking for knowledge of scientific truths or to discover God, one must have faith. This becomes the starting point. Faith has been defined in many ways, but the most classic definition was given by the author of the letter to the Hebrews in these meaningful words: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1.) In other words, faith makes us confident of what we hope for and convinced of what we do not see. The scientist does not see molecules, atoms, or electrons, yet he knows they exist. He does not see electricity, radiation, or magnetism, but he knows these are unseen realities. In like manner, those who earnestly seek for God do not see him, but they know of his reality by faith. It is more than hope. Faith makes it a conviction—an evidence of things not seen.

The Inconvenient Messiah by Jeffrey R. Holland

All but a prophetic few must go about God's work in very quiet, very unspectacular ways. And as you labor to know him, and to know that he knows you; as you invest your time—and your convenience—in quiet, unassuming service, you will indeed find that "he shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up" (Matthew 4:6). It may not come quickly. It probably won't come quickly, but there is purpose in the time it takes. Cherish your spiritual burdens because God will converse with you through them and will use you to do his work if you carry them well.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Point of Safe Return”, April.  2007

We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent. Our faith has to include a “correct idea of [God’s] character, perfections, and attributes” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 38). If we believe that God knows all things, is loving, and is merciful, we will be able to put our trust in Him for our salvation without wavering. Faith in Christ will change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with God’s will.” 

Elder Robert D. Hales – Oct 2004

As the prophet Enos learned, it means letting others’ testimonies of the gospel “[sink] deep into [our] heart[s].” 23 Let us review some of the elements of Enos’s profound, faith-building experience:

·         First, Enos heard the gospel truths from his father, just as you are hearing them in your families and in this conference.

·         Second, he let his father’s teachings about “eternal life, and the joy of the saints” 24 sink deep into his heart.

^·           Third, he was filled with a desire to know for himself whether these teachings were true and where he himself stood before his Maker. To use Enos’s words, “My soul hungered.” 25 By this intense spiritual appetite, Enos qualified himself to receive the Savior’s promise: “Blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.” 26 

·         Fourth, Enos obeyed the commandments of God, which enabled him to be receptive to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

·         Fifth, Enos records, “I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.” 27 It wasn’t easy. Faith did not come quickly. In fact, Enos characterized his experience in prayer as a “wrestle which [he] had before God.” 28 But faith did come. By the power of the Holy Ghost, he did receive a witness for himself.

We cannot find Enos-like faith without our own wrestle before God in prayer.

Book of Mormon: Understanding How the Vision of the Tree of Life Applies to Me

SYMBOL	SCRIPTURES	HOW CAN I APPLY THIS TO ME?
Lehi’s Vision	1 Nephi 8:2–10	“Nephi prayed to know the meaning of Lehi’s vision.  In answer, he was given a remarkable vision of Christ.  That vision is the central message of the Book of Mormon.”           -Elder Packer The overarching theme of the Book of Mormon—inviting all to come unto Christ—is paramount in Lehi’s vision.“                     – Elder Bednar
The Tree of Life	1 Nephi 11:8–11 1 Nephi 11:21-25	“The Spirit made explicit that the Tree of Life and its precious fruit are symbols of Christ’s redemption.” –Elder Holland “You should pray to be filled with the love of Christ. This love is given to those who are true followers of Jesus Christ.  This love is the fruit of the tree of life, and tasting it is a major part of your conversion because once you have felt your Savior’s love for you, you will feel secure, and a love for Him and for your Heavenly Father will grow within you.”   -Elder Christofferson
The Fruit of the tree	Partaking of the Atonement is: “Most sweet, above all ” “White, to exceed  all … whiteness” “Desirable above all other fruit”  Having “beauty … exceeding of all” “Precious above all”  “Most joyous to the soul”  “The greatest of all the gifts of God” (1 Nephi  8:11-12; 11:8-9, 23; 15:36)	“The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Atonement. Partaking of the fruit of the tree represents the receiving of ordinances and covenants whereby the Atonement can become fully efficacious in our lives.“      – Elder Bednar “To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and the emancipations and joys which it can bring.”    –Elder Maxwell
The Iron Rod	1 Nephi 8:19–20 1 Nephi 11:25; 15:23–24	“It is significant that the 2nd group also had the added blessing of the rod of iron, and they were clinging to it! However, as they were confronted with persecution and adversity, they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Even with the word of God, this group eventually was lost—perhaps because they only periodically read or studied or searched the scriptures. Clinging to the rod of iron suggests to me only occasional “bursts” of study.”    -Elder Bednar “Constant study of the scriptures is the act of holding to the iron rod.  I urge you to clear away the clutter. With an uncluttered life, you will not be so busy doing terrestrial things that you do not have time to do those things which are celestial.”  -Elder Bradford
River of Filthy Water	1 Nephi 8:13,19 1 Nephi 12:16; 1 Nephi 15:26–29	“The prophet Lehi saw our day in his dream of the tree of life. He saw that many people would wander blindly in the mists of darkness.  He saw some fall away “in forbidden paths,” others drown in rivers of filthiness, and still others wander in “strange roads.”  When we read of the spreading curse of drugs, or read of the pernicious flood of pornography and immorality, do any of us doubt that these are the forbidden paths and rivers of filthiness Lehi described? He saw that if people would hold fast to that rod, they could avoid the rivers of filthiness and stay away from the forbidden paths.”      –Pres. Benson
The Mists of Darkness	1 Nephi 8:23 1 Nephi 12:17	In Lehi’s dream an already difficult journey gets more difficult when a mist of darkness arises, obscuring any view of the safe but narrow path.  The principal point of the story is that the successful travelers resist all distractions, including the lure of forbidden paths and jeering taunts from the vain and proud who have taken those paths. “You must hold firmly to the rod of iron through the mists and darknesses, the hardships and trials of life. If you relax your grip and slip from the path, the iron rod might become lost for a time until you repent and regain your grasp of it.”       -Elder Wirthlin

“The elements of the allegory of the Tree of Life are essentially the same as those in the Parable of the Sower-or more accurately the Parable of the Soils.”  –Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

The Parable of the Sower  or The Parable of the Soils	The Vision of the Tree of Life
1.   Seeds that fell by the wayside	People who filled the Great and Spacious Building
2.   The seed sown upon stony ground & scorched by sun	Those who started on the path but were lost in the midst of darkness
3.   Seed sown among thorns, which choked off what had taken root	They partook of the fruit, but were then ashamed and fell away
4.   The seed that fell on good ground & brought forth fruit	Those who held to the rod, partook of the fruit, and did not fall away

“The parable of the sower taught by Jesus is generally considered to describe how the word of the Lord is received by different individuals as it is preached. Consider for a moment how the same parable may apply to you in different circumstances in your life, as you face challenges or come under strong influences.”  -Elder Richard G. Scott, Full Conversion Brings Happiness, Ens. May 2002

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas - Part 2

“Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay, Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.”

“He gave us the gift of a Savior, His perfect Son, the Lamb without blemish. Those are gifts to us that we can offer to others for Him. There was a song in a film years ago with the line “Have yourself a merry little Christmas.”  Well, you can give a great and wonderful Christmas if you remember the gifts God has given you and, as best you can, offer them to others as He would. That is the spirit of Christmas and of true happiness every day.” President Eyring

 “The wise men did come later bearing gifts; it is highly unlikely that they arrived on the night of the babe’s birth. Indeed, Matthew records that when they came Jesus was “a young child,” and the family was living in “a house.” (Matt. 2:11.) Perhaps this provides an important distinction we should remember in our own holiday season. Maybe the purchasing and the making and the wrapping and the decorating—those delightfully generous and important expressions of our love at Christmas—should be separated, if only slightly, from the more quiet, personal moments when we consider the meaning of the Baby (and his birth) who prompts the giving of such gifts.”  Elder Holland

“When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning. There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.” President Monson

 “The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty. We who have heard the glorious message of the coming of the Son of God, we who have taken upon us His name and have covenanted to walk in His path as His disciples—we must not fail to open our hearts and minds and truly see Him.” President Uchtdorf

“Difficult days are ahead. Sin is on the increase. Considering all that the Savior has done—and still does—for us, what can we do for Him? The greatest gift we could give to the Lord at Christmas, or at any other time, is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, worthy to attend His holy temple. And His gift to us will be the peace of knowing that we are prepared to meet Him, whenever that time comes.” Elder Nelson

“Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give—at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.” President Uchtdorf

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others." President Monson

From “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”:

“As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

Other Resources: https://www.lds.org/topics/christmas/resources/articles?lang=eng

Finding the True Meaning of Christmas - Part 1

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees -- alone or with loved ones --give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that his Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve him and keep his commandments. He will take you by the hand and his promises will be kept." Pres. Howard W. Hunter

 “The formula for finding Jesus has always been and ever will be the same—the earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart. The prophet Jeremiah counseled, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”  (Jer. 29:13.) Pres. Monson

"The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force. The real spirit of Christmas lies in the life and mission of the Master....” President Howard W. Hunter

“Before we can successfully undertake a personal search for Jesus, we must first prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts. In these busy days there are many who have time for golf, time for shopping, time for work, time for play—but no time for Christ.  Lovely homes dot the land and provide rooms for eating, rooms for sleeping, playrooms, sewing rooms, television rooms, but no room for Christ. We remember, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”  No room. Ever has it been.” Pres. Monson

“And now, my beloved brothers and sisters, what must we do this Christmas season—and always? Why, we must do the same as the Wise Men of old. They sought out the Christ and found Him. And so must we. Those who are wise still seek Him today.”   --Ezra Taft Benson

“Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties.” Pres. Uchtdorf

“My first Christmas away from home was as a missionary. For such an uneventful Christmas—clearly the least festive of any I ever had before or since—it says something that those special days remain in my heart (after more than 50 years!) as one of the sweetest Christmases I have ever had. I think that is because for the first time in my life, I found myself understanding Christmas rather than just enjoying it. I think for the first time in any truly significant way, I was getting the message of Christ’s birth and life—His message and His mission and His sacrifice for others.” Elder Holland

  

“While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future. Let us look forward. Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again. Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming. As His disciples, let us have in our hearts and minds the words of John: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” President Uchtdorf

“And when we find him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves: “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” (D&C 64:34.) President Monson

“It is quite in line to find at the season of the Messiah’s birth, which was springtime that flocks were in the field both night and day under the watchful care of their keepers.  Unto certain of these humble shepherds came the first proclamation that the Savior had been born. The trustful and unsophisticated keepers of sheep had not asked for sign or confirmation; their faith was in unison with the heavenly communication.  They waited not, but went in haste, for in their hearts they believed, yea, more than believed, they knew.” James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ.

Prophetic Promises of the Book of Mormon and the Spiritual Genie

Imagine you were walking across the deserts of Saudi Arabia and you kicked something hard in the sand.

You picked it up and found it was a magic lamp.

As you rubbed the lamp, the genie appeared and granted you 3 wishes, but he said that he is a spiritual genie and can only grant spiritual wishes.

IF there was a spiritual Genie who could grant you 3 spiritual wishes to help you or your family, what would you wish for?

Compare these to the prophetic promises of the Book of Mormon:

Prophetic Promises of the Book of Mormon

PRESIDENT KIMBALL: I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away.  If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.

PRESIDENT BENSON:  When you begin to hunger and thirst after the Book of Mormon, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.  There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.  The power:

1.      To resist temptation

2.      To avoid deception

3.      Stay on strait path

PRESIDENT HINCKLEY:  I promise you [if you] read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives:

1.      An added measure of the Spirit

2.      A strengthened resolution to obey

3.      A stronger testimony of Jesus

PRESIDENT MONSON: It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon changes lives. May each of us read it and reread it. And may we joyfully share our testimonies of its precious promises with all of God’s children.

    April 2017: President Monson- I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, to receive heaven’s help in our lives. 

PRESIDENT ROMNEY (as quoted by Pres. Benson): I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives.

ELDER HOLLAND:  I testify that not one of us can find the fullest measure of peace & comfort in our times until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon & the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies.

ELDER NELSON:  We who are privileged to have the Book of Mormon, to have His gospel, and to keep His commandments know something of God’s infinite love. We know how to make His love our own.

ELDER ANDERSON:  We need our own secure and settled faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we need help in strengthening our families so that this faith flows into the hearts of our children and grandchildren. This is an important part of the divine mission of the Book of Mormon.

ELDER CHRISTOFFERSON:  Studying the Book of Mormon invites the Spirit, and the Spirit is the medium of revelation. This suggests that we study in a thoughtful, meditative fashion—pondering, praying, and perhaps making notes as we read. This puts us in a condition to receive added light and understanding, both about what we are studying and about other matters.

It Seems that No Divine Ear is Listening

President Spencer W. Kimball said:

“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns”