The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Thomas S. Monson, a man of faith and courage, who imparted this profound truth: "The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day." These words are not mere advice, but a call to a life of constant communion with the Divine, a reminder that the path to God is not a fleeting journey or a distant aspiration but a daily commitment—a commitment to draw near to Him, to seek His presence with every breath, in every hour of every day. It is through this daily striving that we align ourselves with His will, and through this consistency, we find His presence in all seasons of life.

In ancient times, the great sages and mystics spoke often of the necessity of daily devotion. They knew that closeness to God did not come through isolated moments of piety, but through a life lived in constant remembrance of the divine. The Prophet Daniel, for example, was known for his unwavering commitment to prayer. Three times a day, he knelt before the Lord, regardless of the circumstances. His daily discipline drew him closer to God and made him a vessel of divine wisdom and strength. Daniel’s devotion did not waver because it was consistent—it was a habitual part of his life, and it was through this daily striving that he maintained his relationship with the Almighty, regardless of the trials he faced.

Thomas S. Monson's words echo this ancient wisdom. He teaches us that to be with God in every season of life, whether in times of joy or sorrow, prosperity or hardship, we must strive to be near Him daily. It is not enough to seek God only when we are in need or only on special occasions. God’s presence must be sought continuously, like the steady rhythm of the heart. Just as a farmer must tend to the soil and care for the crops day by day, so must we tend to our spiritual growth. The constant nourishment of the soul comes from daily efforts—prayer, meditation, and the study of His word.

Consider the example of the Apostle Paul, who, though imprisoned and persecuted, never ceased in his commitment to God. In his letters, he continually encouraged the early Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, to pray without ceasing and to live each day with the presence of God in their hearts. Paul’s life was a testimony that the key to staying near to God was not through grand gestures or singular moments of worship but through a life lived in constant devotion, through consistent actions of faith. His unwavering focus on God’s presence, even in the darkest of times, kept him anchored and strengthened him to fulfill his divine purpose.

The key lesson here, O children, is that the way to God is through daily striving. It is not a once-a-week affair or a periodic commitment but a daily, ongoing relationship. The world may offer countless distractions, and the seasons of life may shift and change, but God remains constant, and we must continually seek to be near Him. It is through daily efforts that we grow in His presence, that we learn His will, and that we strengthen our relationship with Him. The more we seek Him, the more He will draw near to us.

Thus, the action we must take is clear: strive to be near to God every day. Begin each morning with prayer, seek Him in the moments between tasks, and end each day in reflection on His goodness. Let your life be marked by daily acts of faith and devotion, for through these, you draw closer to God, and He will be with you in every season of life. In times of joy, you will find Him there; in times of trial, He will strengthen you. In every season, the key to living in His presence is not a single moment of great devotion, but a life lived in daily striving to remain near Him.

So, O children of the Divine, let your relationship with God be daily—not for a season, not for a single act, but as a continuous, unbroken communion. In the everyday moments, seek His presence and let your heart beat in rhythm with His will. By striving to be near Him every week and each day, you will find that God’s presence will be with you in all seasons, guiding you through every storm, comforting you in every sorrow, and rejoicing with you in every victory. Let us, therefore, live each day with purpose, drawing nearer to Him and letting His presence guide us in all things.