Writing Him on My Heart

SCRIPTURE STUDY BLESSES OUR LIVES

I have always had a testimony of the scriptures; however, I feel that my testimony of the importance of scripture study has grown in the past few years. About two years ago I was called to serve as the Young Women’s President. As the new YW’s President, I strongly believed in doing everything that I encouraged of the young women. One thing, which I felt I had preached about quite often, was Personal Progress, and although I had received my personal progress medallion as a girl, I again started with the program. I felt impressed to use scripture study as a personal progress goal, and change the time of my scripture study to the early morning hours. Prior to this goal, I had been studying my scriptures in the evening, and although, I studied them nightly, I often found that I was tired and not as attentive as I should be. As I started early morning scripture study, In the beginning, I struggled rising with my alarm clock. I learned quickly that although my intentions were pure—I needed the help of my Heavenly Father to accomplish this goal. As early morning scripture study became a pattern, I felt invigorated by the scriptures. I felt my mind open to new understandings, and I felt my spirit unite with my Heavenly Father. In the midst of my early morning study, Sister Dalton, the general Young Women’s President, invited the youth to do three things: smile, pray, and read from the Book Of Mormon for five minutes every day—promising them that if they did so, they would be offered strength, and they would become examples of the believers. As I encouraged the youth to accept this challenge, and as I also accepted the challenge, I again felt the spirit testify to me of the importance of scripture study. Through these experiences, I have been taught three lessons about spending time in scripture study each day; first, scripture study will provide us with the strength to withstand the temptations of the adversary; second, scripture study will strengthen our foundations of faith, and; third, scripture study will provide us with answers to our prayers.

Lesson #1 Scripture Study will Give us the Strength to Withstand the Temptations of the Adversary

I have found that as I study the scriptures, I am instructed more fully of the trials that beset me, and I have stronger foundation to withstand the adversary. In the Book of Mormon we learn of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. From that vision we learn that by holding to the rod, which is the word of God, we can traverse through Satan’s temptations, and partake of God’s love or in other words—eternal life. Through this vision, we have been given a formula/a handbook for true happiness. Sister Cooke, in this last general conference, spoke to parents’ in their role of holding to the rod. She said, “In today’s world, complete with temptations, holding fast can be challenging. As Satan, in his conniving ways, tries to pull us away from God’s ways—if we have one hand on the rod, and one hand in the world we put our children and youth in danger of losing their way on the path. If our example is confusing than in Jacob’s words—we lose the confidence of our children because of our bad examples. Our message must be clear; clarity can only result from having both hands on the rod, and from living by the truths found in the scriptures and taught by latter-day prophets.” By studying the scriptures every day, we are keeping both of our hand on the iron rod.

When my eldest daughter started first grade, I was instructed more fully of the importance of studying scriptures. I remember feeling distraught at sending her to school. I hated the idea of her being away from me for an entire day. Not only did I miss her dearly, but I was entrusting others’ to provide positive influence in her life. I felt concerned for her spiritual safety. I remember taking my concerns to the Lord. And then one morning I awoke with an answer. I had been instructed to remind my children of their divine heritage. And so began a tradition with each of my children. Every morning each child is asked the same question, “Who are you?” to which they reply, “A child of God”. They are then asked, “What does that mean?” to which they reply, “I am a princess”.  For a time, I felt peace with this simple routine; however, I soon learned that there was more to my answer. While listening to conference, I received a strong impression about early morning scripture study. We were already studying scriptures at night; however, the impression was clear that for my children’s spiritual safety they needed to be fortified with the word of God before leaving for school. And so, a new routine began.  In the beginning, our morning scripture study was hurried, and limited. At times we were only able to quickly read through one scripture, or at other times we were so rushed that we would simply recite a memorized scripture as we rushed out the door. I remember feeling somewhat discouraged. Despite my best efforts, our scripture study was not living up the impressions I had received. Again, I took my concern to the Lord, and I was impressed with yet another way to spiritually protect my children. I was instructed that rather than leaving our scripture study for the end of our morning routine—I needed to start our routine with scripture study. The next morning, the only change we made to our routine was the time in which we chose to study the scriptures. As we made scripture study the priority, I saw miracles happen in our lives—we were able to devote ample amount of time to scripture study, get ready for school, and be out the door on time. What was once a rushed reading of the scriptures has now become an in-depth study of Gospel principles. The Lord has made up the difference in time, and by studying the word of God, my children are more prepared to face whatever temptations they may encounter.

Nephi taught that “whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Ne. 15:24) For our instruction in these latter-days, we cannot afford to be casual in our scripture study. By studying our scriptures, we encircle ourselves and our families with safety from the adversary.

Lesson #2 Scripture Study will Strengthen our Foundation of Faith

We are taught more fully about our foundations of faith through Alma. He also spoke of the importance of the word of God; however, rather than likening the word to an iron rod—he likened the word to a seed which is planted in the heart. He states that if we will no more “than desire to believe”, the seed or the word will begin to sprout and grow. And as it beginneth to grow, we will know that “the word has enlarged our souls, and our understanding will be enlightened, and our minds will expand.” (Alma 32:34)  Alma states that continued nourishment and patience will cause the seed to grow into the tree of life —“a tree springing forth into everlasting life.” (Alma 32: 26-42) As we continue to study the scriptures, our foundations of faith will grow, and our knowledge will expand.

President Boyd K. Packer said, “True doctrine understood, changes attitudes and behavior…the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

I have an elder brother who until just recently has not been interested in many of the lasting joys that accompany membership in our church. However, slowly his disinterest turned to interest, and a few weeks ago my dear brother and his beautiful wife were sealed in the temple with their two children. I can’t begin to express the feelings that accompanied this marvelous event. It truly was a sacred moment in our family. After the sealing, I asked my sister-in-law what it was that made the difference for her and her family. She said that it started with a simple goal—a baby step.  As a family they made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in a year. She said that at times it was difficult. She remembers many mornings when no one wanted to rise for early morning scripture study, but through perseverance day by day this baby step turned into something more than a simple goal. The seed planted by the word of God, began to enlarge their souls, and by the end of the year my brother received the priesthood, and he and his wife were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. My sister-in-law said that without scripture study, they would not have made their covenants in the temple. By studying the scriptures, their foundation of faith, and their testimony of truth was strengthened through the Lord.  As we study our scriptures, we too will be building a foundation of faith. President Monson said, that as we establish a firm foundation for our lives, we are given a precious promise:

Fear not I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
(“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85)

Lesson #3 Scripture Study will Provide Answers to our Prayers

When Joseph Smith was a young boy, there was great confusion as to which religious sect was true. Many doctrines were taught, and each of the different sects believed their church to be true. “In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions”, Joseph often questioned what church was right, and how he could know? While reading in the Epistle of James 1:5 Joseph read, “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.” This scripture touched Joseph, and as he pondered on its meaning, he knew that he lacked wisdom, and that he needed to ask of God. At length, it was through studying the word of God that guided Joseph in inquiring of the Lord, and receiving the first vision. Joseph Smith was instructed because he had been studying the scriptures, and because of his study of the scriptures, millions have been blessed!

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “I sometimes think that one of the best-kept secrets of the kingdom is that the scriptures open the door to the receipt of revelation” (Doctrines of the Restoration, ed. Mark L. McConkie, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1989, p. 243).

Each morning while driving to school, my children and I recite our favorite scriptures. Each child has the opportunity to pick their favorite memorized scripture, and then we all recite that scripture with him/or her. About a year ago my family memorized Joshua 1:9, which states, “be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed—for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”  Since memorizing this scripture, without fail, one of my children chooses to recite this scripture. Last week was no different from every other morning; however, as we started to recite this familiar scripture, I received an answer to my prayers. At that time, I needed to know that I was not alone. I needed to feel of my Savior’s love, and be reassured that He was with me. I had been struggling with feelings of inadequacy in both my calling as a mother, and a young women’s president. In addition a dear friend of mine had just recently passed away, and my soul was anguished. As we recited this scripture, I felt the spirit testify of my Savior’s love for me. I knew without a doubt, that God was indeed with me. I felt my hand in His, and knew that all would be well. It was through my family’s study of the scriptures, that I had received an answer to my prayers.

I know that the scripture study blesses our lives! They are our handbook to happiness! I would like to add my testimony to that of President Benson, when he said; certain blessings are only to be found in the scriptures…” I know that by spending time each day in scripture study we will withstand the temptations of the adversary (1 Ne 15), “strengthen our foundations of faith” (Ensign, Monson, “How Firm a Foundation), and find answers to our prayers.