We make sexual decisions every day. We decide not to look at pornography, we decide to wait to have sex until marriage, these are pretty obvious. But there are a lot of decisions that have to do with sexuality that aren’t so clear cut. For example, what kind of bathing suit is appropriate? How far should I go with my girlfriend/boyfriend? Should I continue watching this movie? What jokes are okay and which ones are not? How do we find the answers to these questions?
The answer is so full of hope: God. We can ask God questions about ANYTHING. He created our bodies and our sexual feelings so there is no one better to ask. He also loves you more than anyone else, so you can feel safe asking hard questions and trust that He will give you the answer that you need.
One of the most awesome gifts God has given us is the ability to pray and ask Him questions. He has promised us that if we seek, He will answer:
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5)
So what do we need to do to receive answers from God? Here are some tips that can help you develop a close relationship with God and get you closer to finding the answers you need:
Seek sincerely
Be sincere. Tell God the truth about how you’re feeling. Express your doubts, your fears, your worries, your sadness, your joy, your embarrassment, everything! Tell Him why you need an answer and why you are turning to Him to find one. Even though He already knows everything about you, expressing these feelings to Him opens the door for further guidance.
Be humble
Are you ready to accept whatever answer comes from God? Even if He tells you to do something that might make you seem weird to your friends or that might be hard, are you ready to accept it? Be humble and remember that God loves you and will only give you answers that will help you be happy, even if it means giving up something in the short-term.
Listen
God usually speaks to us in quiet ways. During and after prayer, stop and take a moment to be still and listen. It’s easy to go back to our everyday distractions, but stop and pay attention to the way you feel in your mind and in your heart. Feel what answer is right and listen for impressions that come to your mind. You might even want to write down what you’re feeling as a sign to God that you’re listening and sincerely wanting to receive more answers.
Be patient
God doesn’t always answer us right in the moment that we want it. He knows us better than anyone and knows exactly what timing is right for us to receive the answer. Sometimes we need to take a leap of faith and learn for ourselves. Sometimes He gives us the answer right in the moment that we ask. Know that He will answer if we keep knocking.
So the next time you have a question about being virtuous and being sexually whole, ask God. He will tell you in your heart if what you are doing is right and will guide you to know how to improve if there’s something you need to change.
Remember, God never puts a “closed” sign on His door. You can always turn to Him, and He will always be there for you. You just have to knock.
