Living the Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 2:16 - Seeking God's Guidance

 

Introduction

Welcome, everyone, to day two of our devotional series, Living the Book of Mormon: Courage and Wisdom for Latter-day Saints in Recovery. I’m so glad you’re here today as we explore a powerful principle that can transform our lives and recovery journeys: Seeking God’s Guidance. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking to deepen your faith, today’s message is for you.  

Yesterday, we focused on the "tender mercies of the Lord" (1 Nephi 1:20). Today, we turn to 1 Nephi 2:16, where Nephi shows us how to find direction in times of uncertainty. Our theme is about turning to God when life feels chaotic—something especially meaningful for those of us in recovery. Over the next three hours, we’ll dive deep into scripture, reflect on its meaning, and discover practical ways to invite God’s guidance into our lives.  

Stick with me—grab your scriptures, journal, and if you have the devotional workbook, that will be wonderful. If you don't have the workbook - it is downloadable with a suggested donation of $20.00. Let’s begin!

Devotional - Seeking God's Guidance

Key Scripture: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi … having great desires to know the mysteries of God, wherefore I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken of by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like my brothers.” 

Reflection

Have you ever stood at a crossroads, uncertain of your next step, especially when chaos seems to swirl around you? In such moments, the human impulse – the natural man – tends to lean on our own reasoning or bend to the clamor of competing voices. Yet, Nephi’s example in 1 Nephi 2 reveals a higher way of living. Caught in the tumult of a divided family – his father, Lehi, called to leave Jerusalem while his brothers rebelled – Nephi faced a choice. He either succumbs to confusion or sided with dissent. Instead, he turned to God: “I, Nephi … did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me and did soften my heart” (1 Nephi 2:16). This was no simple plea for clarity; it was a surrender to God’s will and purpose that brought about a transformation and spiritual growth. God’s response softened Nephi’s heart, aligning his will with Heavenly Father’s will and igniting enduring faith and obedience. A softened heart, as Psalms 51:10 reveals – “Create in me a clean heart O God” – is the fertile ground where God’s guidance may take root. What may shift us if we dared to cry out as Nephi did? How will God soften your heart as you seek after Him and His will – seeking after His Kingdom and Righteousness (Matthew 6:33)? 

Recovery Focus

For Latter-day Saint Christians in recovery, Nephi’s story strikes a resonant chord. The journey – whether from addiction, pain, or brokenness – begins with a humbling reality and truth: We cannot navigate our recovery path and transformation alone. Like Nephi amidst family strife and dysfunction, we often find ourselves lost, wrestling with inner conflict or external pressures. Yet, our recovery and spiritual growth hinges on this pivotal act: Reaching out to God. It is not about mustering up will power or personal strength through grit alone. It is about inviting the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds where God will soften our hearts and guide our steps. 

James 1:5 gives us a profound promise – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So, it is the same with us – when we are actively seeking God’s guidance, He meets us with grace, offering wisdom and healing. Proverbs 3:5-6 adds another layer of truth, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart … and He shall direct your paths.” Recovery is a spiritual rebirth where we are “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:7). And it starts with a prayer for help. 

Wisdom

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “As one’s will is increasingly submissive to the will of God, he can receive inspiration and revelation so much needed to help meet the trials of life. … Will we too trust the Lord amid a perplexing trial for which we have no easy explanation?"  (October 1995 General Conference: Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father). Nephi lived this truth. His softened heart did not merely resolve a moment’s doubt; it prepared him for a journey of eternal significance. So, it is with us. Seeking God’s guidance equips us not only to overcome present struggles but to embrace the future our Heavenly Father has prepared. 

The scriptures amplify this: Moses found strength to lead through prayer (Exodus 3-4), David discovered direction in distress (Psalm 61:1-2), and Christ Himself sought the Father’s will in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). To be teachable is to be transformed – ready for life’s trials and triumphs. In our own personal recovery and spiritual growth and beyond with an eternal perspective. A willing desire that opens the door to God’s divine direction where we possess an unshakeable purpose for life. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the wisdom and courage, the same you provided Nephi, for guidance during my struggles and trials. Thank you for softening my heart as I continue to seek after your will and purpose, strengthening me to begin my own recovery path. In Jesus name, Amen.

Message from the Devotional

Let’s start with our key scripture. I’ll read it aloud, and I invite you to listen with your heart:  'And it came to pass that I, Nephi … having great desires to know the mysteries of God, wherefore I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken of by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like my brothers.' (1 Nephi 2:16)  

To really grasp this, let’s set the scene. Nephi’s family was in upheaval. His father, Lehi, had received a divine call to abandon their home in Jerusalem and flee into the wilderness—a radical, life-altering command. But not everyone was on board. Nephi’s older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, rebelled. They doubted Lehi’s revelation and resisted leaving their comfortable life behind.  

Imagine Nephi in this moment: his family divided, his future uncertain, the wilderness ahead. He could’ve followed his brothers’ dissent or leaned on his own reasoning to make sense of it all. But instead, he chose something extraordinary. He turned to God.  

Nephi says he had 'great desires to know the mysteries of God.' This wasn’t a passing curiosity—it was a deep, burning need to understand God’s will. So, he 'did cry unto the Lord', a phrase that suggests more than a casual prayer. It was a heartfelt, urgent plea. And God’s response? 'He did visit me and did soften my heart.'  

That softening is key. It didn’t just clarify Nephi’s doubts—it transformed him. His heart became receptive, aligning his will with God’s, and he chose faith over rebellion. This is where our journey begins today: seeking God’s guidance to soften our own hearts.

Reflection and Discussion

Now, let’s pause and reflect. I’ll pose some questions—grab a journal if you can or just ponder in your heart. If you’re watching live, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.  

• Have you ever stood at a crossroads, uncertain of your next step—especially when chaos swirled around you? Maybe it was a job loss, a strained relationship, or a moment in your recovery where you felt lost. What did that feel like?  
• How do you typically respond in those situations? Do you lean on your own logic, seek others’ opinions, or turn to God?  
• What can we learn from Nephi’s example of crying out to the Lord?

Take a moment to think about this.

Nephi’s story challenges the 'natural man' in us—the impulse to figure everything out ourselves or bend to outside pressures. Instead, he shows us a higher way: surrendering to God.  

Let’s talk about that phrase, 'soften my heart.' In Psalms 51:10, David prays, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.' A softened heart isn’t weak—it’s open, teachable, ready to receive God’s guidance. For Nephi, it meant believing Lehi’s words and choosing obedience over rebellion.  

So, here’s another question: What might shift in your life if you dared to cry out to God as Nephi did? Maybe it’s peace in a trial, clarity in a decision, or strength to keep going. A softened heart is where transformation begins. Let’s hold that thought as we move forward

Recovery Focus

For those of us in recovery—whether from addiction, pain, or brokenness—Nephi’s experience hits close to home. Recovery is a journey often marked by uncertainty, inner conflict, and external pressures. Like Nephi facing family strife, we can feel lost, unsure of how to move forward.  

Here’s the humbling truth: We can’t navigate this path alone. Willpower and grit help, but they’re not enough. Recovery calls us to reach out to God, inviting the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and guide our steps.  

The scriptures back this up with promises we can cling to. James 1:5 says, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.' Think about that—God doesn’t judge us for asking. He meets us with grace, offering wisdom when we’re at our lowest.  

Then there’s Proverbs 3:5-6: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.' In recovery, our own understanding can be clouded by past hurts or present struggles. Trusting God shifts the burden off our shoulders and onto His. 

And here’s the beautiful part: recovery isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about becoming new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, 'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.' That rebirth starts with a simple prayer for help.  

So, wherever you are in your recovery, know this: seeking God’s guidance isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a lifeline. Nephi didn’t just survive his trial; he grew through it. You can too

Wisdom from Church Leaders

Let’s draw on some modern wisdom. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said, 'As one’s will is increasingly submissive to the will of God, he can receive inspiration and revelation so much needed to help meet the trials of life. … Will we too trust the Lord amid a perplexing trial for which we have no easy explanation?' (October 1995 General Conference).  

Nephi lived this. His softened heart didn’t just resolve a moment of doubt—it prepared him for a journey of eternal significance. Submitting to God’s will opened him to divine direction, equipping him for what lay ahead.  

The scriptures echo this pattern. Moses, called to lead the Israelites, felt inadequate—yet through prayer, God gave him strength (Exodus 3-4). David, overwhelmed, cried out, 'Lead me to the rock that is higher than I' (Psalm 61:1-2). And Jesus Christ, in Gethsemane, prayed, 'Not My will, but Yours, be done' (Matthew 26:39).  

What ties these stories together? A willingness to seek God. To be teachable is to be transformed—ready for trials and triumphs. In recovery, this means letting go of pride or self-reliance and trusting God’s plan, even when it’s hard to see. That’s where unshakeable purpose is born.

Application and Takeaways

So, how do we live this? Here are five practical takeaways to seek God’s guidance in your life and recovery:  

• Make Prayer a Priority: Set aside time daily to talk to God. Be specific—ask for guidance in your challenges. Matthew 6:33 says, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.' Start there.  
• Study the Scriptures: The Book of Mormon, Bible, and words of living prophets are God’s voice to us. Read with a question in mind—'What do You want me to do, Lord?'—and listen for answers.  
• Seek Priesthood Blessings: When you’re stuck, a blessing can bring comfort and clarity. It’s a tangible way to feel God’s guidance through His servants.  
• Be Teachable: A softened heart is open to change. Even if God’s direction surprises you, trust it. His ways are higher than ours.  
• Practice Patience: God’s timing isn’t always ours. Nephi didn’t get instant answers, but he kept seeking. Persist in faith—He’ll guide you in His perfect way.

These steps aren’t a checklist; they’re a lifestyle. Try one this week—maybe start with a prayer tonight—and see how God responds. Write it down, share it in the comments. Let’s grow together!

Prayer and Closing

As we wrap up, let’s unite in prayer:  

'Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Nephi, who sought Your guidance in uncertainty. Thank You for softening our hearts as we seek Your will. Strengthen us in our recovery and daily lives. Guide us with Your wisdom and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.'  

Thank you for spending these three hours with us. You’re not alone—God is with you, ready to guide you to healing and purpose. If this touched you, leave a comment below—share how you’ve felt God’s guidance or what you’ll try this week. Subscribe for day three tomorrow and keep seeking Him with courage and faith. See you soon!