That Ache for Heaven: Finding the Divine Longing in Our Daily Lives

There are moments, friends, when the feeling washes over you so strongly, it’s almost physical. It’s a deep, resonant ache—a longing so profound it feels like you’ve been separated from the very source of joy. It’s the ache for the Savior’s presence, the yearning to stand in the temple courts, or maybe just to feel the Spirit wash over you until you can’t remember what life felt like before.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you know that feeling. It’s more than just missing a good day of teaching or a satisfying mission discussion; it’s a homesickness for Heaven itself. It’s the desire to be where the covenants are kept, to be where the veil is thinnest, to simply be face-to-face with the Savior.

This feeling, this sacred yearning, is what we’re talking about today. It’s what keeps us going when the comps are tough, when the field gets dusty, or when the internet missionary work feels overwhelming. It’s the spiritual gravity that pulls us back to the covenants and the work.

The Power of Longing: A Missionary Perspective

As a returned missionary, I learned quickly that the *feeling* of the gospel is often more powerful than the *facts* of the gospel. We can memorize every scripture reference, we can know the doctrine inside and out, but nothing compares to that visceral longing—that deep, heartfelt desire to worship Him.

When I watched this clip, hearing that sentiment—"I'm homesick for heaven"—it hit me right in the spirit. It reminded me that our mission preparation isn't just about learning skills; it's about cultivating this deep, abiding *want* for Him. It’s about letting that desire for the Father and the Son become the primary filter through which we view everything.

This is a skill we must practice constantly, whether we are in the MTC, in the field, or right here in our living rooms as disciples. We need to turn that homesickness into action.

Practical Steps for the Disciple

So, how do we channel that yearning? How do we take that ache and make it productive for the work? Here are a couple of things that have helped me, and I hope they help you, too:

1. Deepening the Study: If that ache is pulling you toward deeper understanding, dive into the scriptures. I highly recommend revisiting the Book of Mormon through the lens of covenants. If you’re looking for a structured way to do this, check out the Book Clubs in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful way to build community around study.
2. Embracing the Online Field: Remember, we are all internet missionaries. When you feel that ache, don't isolate yourself. Reach out to a friend, join a Bible Study Group, or even use the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook to ponder a passage with others. We are never truly alone in the work.
3. Preparation Through Testimony: Sometimes, the best preparation is simply testifying. Take five minutes today. Think about a time you felt the Spirit so strongly that you knew it was the Savior. Write it down. That tangible memory is your fuel.

The Brethren taught us that our desire to return to Him is what makes us disciples. It’s the engine. It’s what makes us eager to gather Israel, and it’s what makes us want to be Christlike in every corner of our lives.

If you feel that tug today—that ache for the divine—don't let it pass. Channel it. Use it to study, use it to serve, and use it to connect with another disciple. Let's keep that fire burning brightly, always looking forward to the day we can stand before Him, face-to-face.

If you want to talk more about channeling that spiritual desire, I invite you to join our next virtual gathering. We’re discussing how to maintain that missionary zeal long after the mission ends. Check the link in the comments!