1 Nephi 8

This chapter is the beginning of Lehi's great vision of the Tree of Life.  It's one that all primary children know, it's right in the beginning of the Book of Mormon where even the most casual of readers will find it, and it teaches many important lessons.  Probably books could be written about the lessons from that vision alone.  As I read it this time my mind was turned to a recent talk by our beloved prophet, President Russel M Nelson.  He spoke to us two years ago about the importance of personal revelation.  About how vital a personal relationship with the Holy Ghost was, and he taught us and begged us to make that a priority.  Much like clinging to the iron rod was the.only.way Lehi's family and the other people in his dream could reach the tree and partake of the fruit the only way we can survive spiritually is to likewise cling to the word of God.  We hear that word by reading the scriptures, and by personal revelation, and by listening to the prophet who receives revelation for all.

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
Russell M. Nelson prophet of God

an excerpt from that talk:

"In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”⁹

Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! “As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course … as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.”¹⁰

You don’t have to wonder about what is true.¹¹ You do not have to wonder whom you can safely trust. Through personal revelation, you can receive your own witness that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and that this is the Lord’s Church. Regardless of what others may say or do, no one can ever take away a witness borne to your heart and mind about what is true."