Finding our answers in the scriptures

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“We often hear…that the scriptures have the answers to all of our questions. Why is this so?…Reading…the scriptures will…put us in a position where we can obtain inspiration to answer any doctrinal or personal question, whether or not that question directly concerns the subject we are studying in the scriptures. That is a grand truth not understood by many….Again, even though the scriptures contain no words to answer our specific personal questions, a prayerful study of the scriptures will help us obtain such answers” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Studying the Scriptures,” Fireside given November 24, 1985).

I have an experience where I gained a testimony of this principle.  When I was in college, I had a situation that came before me that I really wanted guidance from Heavenly Father as to how I should proceed, as the course of action I thought was correct didn't seem like the sensible direction to go.

I had heard that you could find an answer to any question you might have in the scriptures. So, I set about trying to find an answer. In the ward I was attending, we had Relief Society first, then Sunday School and then Sacrament meeting. As I sat through Relief Society I searched for the answer to my question. As I sat through Sunday School, I searched for an answer to my question. None could be found. But then, I found a scripture that illustrates what Elder Oaks is saying.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 - "And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done."

If we are free from sin, we can ask Heavenly Father for what we need to know, and we can receive an answer.  So, we may not find the exact answer to what we are asking, but as I studied the scriptures, I learned how I could receive my answer.  

When I went into Sacrament meeting, I prepared for the sacrament by asking Heavenly Father to forgive me of any sins I may have committed.  Then I asked Him for an answer to my question.  I did not receive an answer.  I then concentrated and asked Heavenly Father for forgiveness from every sin I could possibly think of!  As I partook of the sacrament, I prayed that I would be purified and cleansed from all my sins.  I asked my question again.  I did not receive an answer.  In prayer, I explained to Heavenly Father how important this answer was to me, I told Him that I had done all that He asked and I REALLY wanted an answer to this question.  Then I explained to Him what I felt was the right course of action. It was then that I received personal revelation, a communication from my Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost.  I gained a strong confirmation of what I had decided was, indeed, right.  

I expressed my gratitude to my Heavenly Father, not only for the answer I desired, but for the process I was required to go through to get that answer that taught me to rely on the scriptures and the power of repentance and prayer.   You really can receive any answer you need from the scriptures.