I am constantly looking for absolute assurance. And, I am constantly not finding it. Though I sometimes know for certain the path I am to take, most of the time I wonder and doubt and hope the path I currently pursue is the right one. As much as I'd like this hope to become certainty, I'm quite certain it won't. However, here is more hope to make my hope stronger.
In his Spring 2011 conference talk, Elder Bednar said this, "We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps. And we can speak with the assurance that God will inspire our utterances."
The primary answers come to mind: go to church, read the scriptures, say your prayers, visit the temple regularly....this is how we can know with immediate hope and overall or inclusive certainty that our path is a good one. This, as Elder Bednar goes on, is how our confidence can "wax strong in the presence of God."
Don't step away from this without drawing a conclusion, one that immediately affects your life.....Are you striving to do good and become better? Are you keeping your covenants? Then God is guiding your foot steps. It may be like the sun's light on a cloudy day, but God is guiding you. So, let inspiration come "line upon line, precept upon precept." Continue in your hope and occasional certainty, and let "doubt and fear [be] absolutely purged" from you, as did President Joseph F. Smith. For God in your faithful, hopeful path is certainly guiding and inspiring you.
