Confidence in the Presence of God

As I listened to President Russell M. Nelson’s most recent General Conference talk, I was reminded of another talk I have thought of often through the years — Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence given by Elder Jorg Klebingat. More often than not, I think we hear feelings of concern, shame, worry, and self-judgment when we talk about meeting God in heaven. Somewhere along the way we steered away from the idea that God wants to welcome us home and that we truly are His children whom He loves. 

The Parable of the Prodigal

My thoughts wander to the parable of the prodigal son.  Imagine you have convinced your father to give you your inheritance, disowned him as your father, squandered all of the money, lived a lascivious lifestyle for a period of time, and become as lowly as the swine with which you live. Would you feel inclined to return to your father? Would that be your very first thought? 

I hate to admit that I think my pride, my shame, my embarrassment would have kept me further away from the man who gave me life. I doubt my choice would have been to return. And yet, that must be how much love this father had for his son — so much that the boy contained some hope his father would welcome him home. What surprise he must have experienced when his father not only welcomed him, but threw him a grand feast to celebrate the return! 

Maybe it’s a weak comparison, but this story speaks to me of the confidence we can feel when approaching our Father in Heaven. No matter our sins, weaknesses, or shortcomings; no matter the talents He has given that we have chosen to squander; no matter the times we leave Him for what we to believe are greener pastures — He will always welcome us with open arms! 

How do we Develop Such Confidence? 

Both President Nelson and Elder Klebingat give us guidelines as to how we can develop such confidence. I will choose a few (combining the two messages). 

First: Charity

 Mosiah 4:12-13 states: “…[and when ye are] filled with the love of God….ye will not have a mind to inure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due.” 

In this verse we see that the love of God comes first!  I believe we sometimes get this backwards, thinking, “If I just give, give, give, I will feel love.”  At times, this is the how we can fill our hearts with the love of God, thinking of others. However, I also like to ask myself, “What is my relationship with God looking like? What time am I giving Him, conversing with Him and involving Him into my life?” Again, God does work through other people and we can see the face of God in those we serve; however, I do believe that love of God begins with knowing and embracing His love for me as His child. 

In this vein, Elder Klebingat suggests that developing confidence begins with taking responsibility for your own spiritual and physical health. Taking time to know, understand and care for ourselves builds confidence. “…if you feel uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it!” If we are not at peace within, it’s difficult to meet the world and God with confidence! 

Take time to love yourself! And then take that heart-filled love out into the world around you! President Nelson said, “As charity becomes a part of our nature, we will…stop judging others. we will have charity for those from all walks of life.” 

Second: Virture

Virtue can be defined as strength, bravery, and moral goodness. I once read that a trial is simply a “test of virtue.” Power is another word we can use to describe virtue.  

How do these words or definitions enhance our understanding of the verse “let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly and then your confidence will wax strong in the presence of God?”  

Do you believe you have power? Do you believe that with God all things are possible? Do you believe you have the strength needed to endure trials and accept the sometimes difficult experiences of life? When we allow virtue — power, strength, goodness — to permeate our minds, we will have confidence! Not only will we gain confidence in our own abilities, but we will feel our capacities enhanced with God’s power. 

Again, Elder Klebingat exclaims, “Spiritual confidence increases when you are truly striving…to live a consecrated life in spite of your imperfections.”  When we live with such power we can do as he suggests — repent daily and forgive readily!  

“When I speak of having confidence before God, I am referring to having confidence in approaching God right now (President Nelson)!”  Living from this place of power supports the idea that we live in the present with God. He is our greatest advocate cheering us on. And I believe He sees our greatness today! 

Third: A Call to Action

President Nelson teaches, “The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.”

“Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you (D&C 4:7).” God expects us to ACT. One of the greatest ways to gain confidence is to do the next thing that needs to be done. Sometimes this means doing something that scares us. Sometimes this means stop procrastinating. Sometimes this means following that thought that won’t leave you alone. Just act! 

Trials, mistakes, surprises — these are all part of the human experience. When we hesitate to act, our confidence will diminish. One of my greatest tools for when I feel anxious is to buckle down and get the job done. I will look at my to-do list and choose one thing to check off. Sometimes I will take a brisk walk or clean the kitchen, get my body moving.  Whatever it is that you want to do, but are feeling too tired or nervous to start, take that first step and move forward! 

Conclusion: How I practice building confidence in my own life

When filled with self-doubt, I draw my mind back to the truth that I am a divine being having a human experience. This truth brings me back to that love of God.  

I then turn to the good things in my life I am striving toward. I notice the struggles I face and add virtue to those thoughts. President Nelson promised, “Virtue will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts.” This is my favorite sentence from his whole talk! 

And then, I step into action! 

From experience, I know this works in developing confidence not only to meet God at some future day, but to meet Him every single day! I believe He is on this journey with me, not waiting for me to mess up or to push me down. No, He is here to guide me home…with confidence! 

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Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.                          Doctrine & Covenants 29:5