Ideas flow through thought-filled minds like blowing winds, sometimes as light breezes that distill, and at others like mighty gusts stirring up emotions and commotions, then moving on as quickly as they come. I remember such strong blasts of thoughts coming in my childhood, ofttimes getting me into trouble. When I observe my two five-year-old grandsons playing together, much affected by rapidly incoming and unfiltered thoughts, I smile fondly, and feel a little trepidation as memories of past indiscretions of my own come to mind. I love those innocent memories and wonderful little boys who provoke my impish smiles. For me, it is the light breezes of thought carried on currents of inspiration and Spirit that enter the passages of mind which lead to heart, settling into a space of long-term value and profound belief.

Those things we feel in our hearts go far beyond the passing thoughts of fancy, or even the minutia of data and knowledge that we collect over a lifetime of brain activity. They dig deep and establish themselves well, becoming more a part of one’s being than passing thoughts or ideas. Like love or devotion, these are most especially difficult to overcome when discovery of betrayal or when deep commitment to a once hoped-in value is proven unwarranted, making it of paramount importance that only truth and loving trust be allowed place in our deepest parts.

One upon who we may always count and trust in our most inner feeling and confidence is the Lord Jesus Christ. Our very relationship with Him depends on our allowing the Savior access to our hearts that we might make and keep covenants with Him. As the Lord revealed to the prophet Jeremiah regarding the new and everlasting covenant which He makes with His people, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33).

When we make covenants with the Lord, we provide access to our hearts, that God may write His laws within us, and we may become His people. He is not just speaking here to the descendants of Jacob, he who was called Israel, but of all people who will follow Christ and walk in His ways, thus becoming His people. With His laws in our most inward parts, written in our hearts, they will not be like passing thoughts, or even gusts that prompt short term action, but treasures of long-term commitment and profound belief. Those deeply held values will prompt our actions in righteousness and will help us to overcome the world and to be true children of God.

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Jeremiah 31:33

As we make covenants with the Lord, at baptism and within His Holy House, and keep them in the way we live, we will grow closer to Jesus Christ, and have greater access to His love and power. His love and power are always available to God’s children, but as His people we grow evermore accustom and sensitive to the sweet inspirational breezes upon which we can feel His comfort and guidance. With this comfort and guidance comes the strength and wisdom to follow His paths and stray not away from present happiness and lasting joy. There is safety and peace in turning to Christ, which cannot be found elsewhere.

As President M. Russell Ballard taught, “Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. … Faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ, is absolutely essential for us to maintain a balanced perspective through times of trial and difficulty” (General Conference, October, 1992).

May we be a covenant making and keeping people, providing access always for the Lord to write His law in our hearts, and have our inward parts spring forth as a constant flow of hope and inspiration from God. Let us open our lives to revelatory winds, even the most subtle of spiritual breezes, that His truth and love will distill upon us and make permanent our commitment with the Redeemer. That we may make as indelible in our hearts His law, as are the marks on His hands and feet for us, and be His people, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.