Elder Marvin J. Ashton on the blessings of asking for God's help

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"Our Heavenly Father is so concerned that we do right that he will bless each of us with a sign, if we will ask his counsel. Do we realize that the Lord has promised us a physical manifestation if we but ask him to direct us in the right? In the ninth section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 8, we have this commitment from the Lord:

"'But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.'

"Brothers and sisters, we compromise our blessings, we rationalize ourselves out of the sure and safe way, when we do not ask our God to guide us in the decisions that are part of our daily lives.

"The Lord has promised that he will help us in our pursuit of happiness if we will trust in him and follow his path. The abundant life will be ours if we rely on his strength.... All we need to do to enjoy eternal, happy lives is to live the gospel of Jesus Christ."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Love of the Right," Ensign, June 1971, pp. 31-32
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Elder Ashton describes God as a loving Father who is eager to guide and assist us on our way in this mortal journey. But He expects that we will ask for help! And as soon as we do, He will confirm to us that our decisions are right and our path is proper. If we fail to ask for guidance, we put ourselves at risk and deny blessings that could otherwise be ours:

I've always loved the phrase "the abundant life," which many leaders have used to describe the path of a faithful disciple. It implies a richness and fulness not available to those not following that path. And that life, according to Elder Ashton, comes simply from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.