I have a deep attachment and consuming love for the sacred
words of the Lord which are found within the scriptures. Aside from my Savior and Heavenly
Father, as well as the cherished presence of the Holy Ghost, there is nothing
that I love more dearly. I am so
devoted to these precious books because they are the instrument which created,
and continues to produce, a mighty change of my heart. Along with the redeeming sacrifice of
Jesus Christ, I owe my life, and my happiness, to them.
There is
a great deal of disruption and turmoil happening in the world today.
As I witness the strength of Satan growing more abundantly in society,
and feel the intense sorrow that comes from watching those I adore be pulled
away by his deceptions, I must admit that I have had moments of fear. Because of the knowledge I have gained
from studying the scriptures, I have an understanding of what must come to pass
before Christ will return again, and as I observe an increase in corruption and
confusion, I have a firm comprehension that the wickedness will surge. When these feelings of anxiety arise I
quickly recognize them for what they are, Satan’s forces pressing against
me. Fear is a result of the
destroyer, and is never delivered from a heavenly sphere. What I reach to in these moments of
trepidation is the scriptures. My worried
mind is immediately soothed by scripture verses that have engrained themselves
into my heart. I locate peace,
even among the most distressing circumstances, because of my faith in these
sacred works.
A few
weeks ago I was studying the first chapter of Alma. As I read I felt the desire to reread a multitude of the
verses because of the way they made my heart burn. It astounded me how closely the circumstances within this
chapter resembled events that exist today. I was extremely touched by the Spirit and felt buoyed up as
I connected that many individuals of yesteryear were called to endure through similar
conditions that we are experiencing now.
In this chapter,
Nehor emerges, bringing with him the first appearance of priestcraft, meaning
the teaching of false doctrine, to the Nephites. Nehor used flattery and his teachings were directed to
appease and indulge the carnal side of man. This technique was very persuasive and he had a devastating
influence on the Nephites. One of
Nehor’s greatest weapons was perverting the doctrines of God, nullifying
repentance, and promoting the idea that regardless of our behaviors and choices
in this mortal sphere we will all be saved in the end. His influence was so poisonous that it
continued to spread and develop even after he had been executed.
The
presence of priestcraft was a great and serious trial for the righteous members
of the church. Watching so many
they loved apostatize and fall away from the truth brought tremendous grief and
tribulation to them. However, they
remained a steadfast people and could not be moved from the truth
themselves. These individuals are
incredible and can inspire us as we face a duplicated existence. Additionally, there is a man who is
highlighted in this chapter, who stands as a true and honest hero, and acts as
a guiding example in handling such difficult experiences. This man’s name is Gideon.
As Nehor
was preaching one day he came across Gideon who was a teacher in the church of
God. Intrigued, he began to
fiercely contend with him, hoping that he could drag away this stalwart
member. The scriptures describe
Gideon’s response to Nehor’s aggressive attack this way:
…But the man withstood him, admonishing him
with the words of God. Now the
name of the man was Gideon…because Gideon withstood him with the words of
God he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite
him. Now Gideon being stricken
with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows, therefore he
was slain by the sword.
Alma 1:7-9
Nehor was
a wise man, pertaining to the things of the world, and was incredibly
influential. He was forcefully
persuasive and had the ability to perplex and confound even strong members of
the church. However, Gideon was
immovable. He did not flinch, nor
was he affected by Nehor and his depraved enticements. He was firm. He was solid.
He was able to withstand this man who had swayed so many others.
As I
reread these specific verses I was touched to recognize what allowed him to endure so faithfully: it was the word of God,
which we know are the words found within our sacred books of scripture. The scriptures provided Gideon with the
power to resist and to stand firm against the storm of Nehor, and the ferocious
fury of Satan that he undoubtedly carried with him. His knowledge and comprehension of the scriptures acted as a
protective shield against the rage which Satan was spreading through Nehor, and
he was unshakable.
I have
reflected on these verses a great deal throughout the past few weeks, and have
pondered upon what intense strength the scriptures have, and continue to, provide
in my life. As I reflected I
became overwhelmed with immense gratitude for these books. Although I was already passionately
devoted to the scriptures, I believe for the very first time I gained a
realization of the barrier which surrounds us from heaven when we immerse
ourselves and learn the word of God.
I obtained the conviction of the true and honest power that exists
within the scriptures. There is
great depth to this power, but four specific areas have been highlighted in my
own life.
The Scriptures Answer Our Prayers
Although
I cannot recall who, there is a quote from one of the apostles which states
that when we want to speak with God we pray and when we want to hear His voice
we study the scriptures. I know
that this is true.
For a
long period in my life I felt confused about receiving answers to my
prayers. I remember hearing miraculous
stories from others who had received remarkable and personalized answers to
their prayers. I decided that I
had never encountered such an experience, however, I knew that my Heavenly
Father did bless and answer my pleadings to Him. Essentially I craved an individualized experience where I
truly felt the answer of the Lord.
As I was
pulled closer to the gospel I was led to the scriptures, and for the first time
in my life I began to study them.
Grand blessings were immediately recognized in my life, and one of the
greatest came in the form of a direct and personalized answer to one of my
prayers. It was an astounding
experience, and I can still recall the feeling that jolted through my body. I read, reread, and reread until my
mind was worn.
Since
that day I have had countless answers come to me by way of scripture
study. It is the most frequented
source of communication from my Father.
Some instances I have a prayer answered within my next study
session. These experiences always
spark my heart, and teach me how omniscient the Lord really is. There have been times when I have
stopped a study session earlier than originally intended due to unforeseen
circumstances, also known as tiny little hands that need mine, just to pick up
the next day and have my answer found within one of those verses that I could
not finish the night before. These
moments always amaze me. It is
incredible that my Heavenly Father understands me so personally and knows the
details of my life in such an intimate way.
Other
times my answers are not discovered for many days, or even extended periods of
time. These are the moments when
the Lord is allowing me to learn, develop, and enhance. With patience I seem to always
encounter a verse, or chapter, or more, that calms my soul, strengthens my
resolve, and encourages me towards righteousness.
And then
there are times when answers are given before even encountering the question,
trial, or experience. These moments
are particularly dear to my heart, as I have recognized the way that my
Heavenly Father prepares me for all things. He desires me to be successful and He provides me with what
He knows I will personally need to endure. He knows me. He
loves me.
There are
many other methods that the Lord uses to answer our prayers, and I am a firm
believer that each of us has a unique and special connection in receiving these
answers. I am not suggesting that
before I started studying the scriptures that the Lord did not answer my
prayers, because He did. He was sending
them, I was simply not connected, nor was I looking to recognize those
answers. However, I do believe
that the scriptures have a special ability in allowing us to hear the voice of
a Father who is seeking to communicate with His child. They have been preserved and protected
so that we may have what we need to sustain throughout this mortal existence,
individually and collectively.
They provide answers to our deepest concerns and questions, and because
they are documented words which ring through our ears as we read, it is as
though we can truly hear Him speaking to us.
The Scriptures Keep Us From Pride
I am
especially grateful for this specific element. I have received a great deal of chastisement and admonishing
throughout the study of my scriptures.
They have such a distinctive way of humbling me in areas I need it
most. This is a very recurrent
occurrence in my study. I am
thankful for the correction of the Lord, because I know that those He chastens,
He loves.
One of
the greatest things that the scriptures help us to learn is how to set our
hearts upon heavenly and eternal treasures. Living in the world, especially one that covets and idolizes
material riches so greatly, we can become distracted and consumed by the
frenzy. It is not difficult to be
swept away by the fanatic obsessions of worldly treasures, in fact, it is very
easy.
This was
one of my largest weaknesses. I
had an enormous fixation on things.
I craved money and was preoccupied with obtaining more and more. What started out as a “hobby” and
interest, quickly devoured me and I before I recognized what was happening I
was swallowed up. It became a true
obsession. It was all I desired,
all I labored towards, and really all I
thought about. It depleted
and destroyed my spirit. It has
been a long, strenuous path to try to overcome, and it will be something that I
will have to continually monitor and tweak throughout my lifetime. However, I do believe that today my
heart faces a different direction.
The desires, motivations, and cravings of my heart are directed towards
the treasures that are delivered by the Spirit. It is focused and centered on Christ, which makes all of the
interruption and interference of the world melt away.
As I
reflect on what has had the most significant impact in helping to redirect my
heart I would have declare that it was the scriptures. When I began to truly and devotedly
study my scriptures, not just read them but study them, I discovered
great gems of truth. I found
hidden treasures that filled my soul so entirely that I desired nothing
more. The “happiness” that I
sought after in seeking worldly treasures, which was never found by the way,
was located in the heavenly treasures that I encountered by reading the word of
God. There was never a possession
I obtained that brought me as much joy, as much delight, as much fulfillment as
the treasures I find in my scripture study each and every day. These books teach me about what
treasure really is, and help me better recognize those things that try to
imitate their greatness.
The
scriptures introduce our hearts to the heavenly treasures which await us. They enliven our spirits, which
remember home, and help us to better understand what is worth valuing. It helps us realign with the eternal
blessings which will be ours if we but set our hearts upon them and then labor
to be worthy of them.
The Scriptures Expand Our Souls
One of
our main objectives in entering this mortal sphere is to develop and extend our
spirits. We were sent here to
learn and grow that we may be able to achieve our great and awe-inspiring
potential. One of the reasons the
Lord provided us with the scriptures was to help us achieve this goal. The scriptures are perfected instruments
to enhance and magnify who and what we are.
Aside
from the Holy Ghost, the scriptures have been the one thing that have taught me
the most. As I study and ponder
them, great enlightenment has been gained. This illumination has provided me with courage, fortitude,
and resilience. It has supplied me
with hope and has enabled me to have a clearer perspective of both temporal and
eternal life. It has softened
burdens, increased my ability to obey, and has enhanced my desire to serve the
Lord. Each of these things expands
my soul. It allows me to become
something greater than I was prior.
It empowers me to fulfill the measure of my creation and to be who my
Heavenly Father desires me to become.
I could never seek to achieve such a destination without the divinity of
His words, which bestow the motivation and encouragement to press onward.
Additionally,
the scriptures allow us to build a personal testimony and enable us to gain
individualized convictions.
I believe that these things are a requirement in withstanding the evil
corruption that sweeps throughout our society today. We have to be firmly rooted in our own testimonies in order
to survive the bitter storm. When
we study the scriptures, the Holy Ghost manifests divine truths to our
soul. These experiences are so
personal and so profound we will never forget them, nor will we forsake
them.
The depth
of our knowledge and understanding is up
to us. It is no one’s
responsibility but our own. No
leader or teacher is responsible for our understanding of the gospel. Indeed, these special individuals are
placed in our lives to guide us and to assist us in learning, but it is not their
duty to ensure that we gain a comprehension of gospel truths. In fact, I believe there are some
things that we have to be taught by the Holy Ghost alone. This sacred illumination is presented
to our hearts by and through Him, and become the very things which solidify our
personal testimonies. It is up to
us to receive this blessed enlightenment.
There has
been a great deal of turmoil arise lately regarding Church history, policies,
practices, and beliefs. The Church
has been in the spotlight and persecution is rampant. As I have listened to comments from others regarding
information that has been released, there is a common phrase that always
surprises me: No one ever told me about
this [portion of history, policy, practice, belief, etc]. I feel betrayed and deceived. The response that always enters my
mind is: Have you ever studied it for
yourself? Have you ever sought to
learn it? The information is
available and waiting for you.
I speak
respectfully on this topic, because I understand that these concerns are true
and honest for these individuals.
I would never want to offend one who has truly felt this way. However, our knowledge and
understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of the practices and beliefs of
the Church is up to us. When we immerse ourselves in the
scriptures, the words of the prophets, and other spiritual resources, we are
taught. We discover the truth for ourselves. We expand. Our
Heavenly Father wants to share all He has with us, and that includes His
knowledge and understanding, but we must labor with all that we have to gain
it. It is sacred and we must be
worthy to receive such a blessing.
Simply attending our church meetings each week is not enough. We need to have personalized, one on
one time with the Lord each and every day. During these moments He will open our hearts and minds to
celestial truths and our souls will
expand.
The Scriptures Protect Us
Just as
the scriptures protected Gideon from the battle against Nehor, we, too, can
receive spiritual protection from knowing, understanding, and retaining the
word of God. When we study the
scriptures we gain a knowledge that is embedded into our hearts. As we ponder, liken, and revisit the
scriptures each day, that source of light only grows.
Satan is
advanced in his deceptions, and one of his favorite things to do is to distort,
pollute, and twist the word of God.
He seeks to confuse us in such a way that we will doubt what we
originally believed to be true.
However, he is no match to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He doesn’t even come close. When we have been taught of the truth
through the very words of God, by the teaching and direction of the Holy Ghost,
our understanding cannot be swayed.
When Satan sends his forces upon us, the testimony we hold relating to
the truth will stay firm. We will
be able to withstand him, because we know and understand the words of God for
ourselves, just as Gideon was able to do.
Another
thing Satan delights in is taking existing knowledge and republishing it as
though it is a newly discovered, previously hidden piece of information. He is doing this frequently right
now. He utilizes this tactic to
make us panic. To make us think
that we have been led astray or fooled.
This is not a new strategy, but a very old one. When you read through the scriptures
you see a constant cycle of this exact thing occurring. He might gain strength as our world
continues to succumb to his schemes, but in actuality he has never been very
original, but simply reuses what has helped him succeed in the past, adapting
it to current day circumstances.
We can
avoid these pitfalls by being active learners. By utilizing our time to study, to know, to understand. As we do this our convictions grow. When these situations emerge we do not
become frazzled or perplexed, because the truth is already within us. We know for ourselves, which enables us
to resist the fiery darts of the adversary. It is a gift that can save our soul.
The
scriptures will always provide us
with spiritual protection. When we
allow them to be apart of our lives and enable the power that they have to shield
us, we will never be left to defend ourselves alone. The powers of heaven will be with us, and chariots of angels
will descend to secure and safeguard us, of this we can be sure of. However, the Lord will never take
agency away from one of His children, even His wicked children. At times He allows the righteous to physically
fall that the wicked may be punished for their choices. Such was the case with Gideon. Gideon was killed by Nehor. He lost his physical life, but
sustained the blessing of everlasting and eternal life with God. He was ever-protected spiritually, and
the Lord never let him down, nor left him alone. The power which came to Gideon through the words of God
enabled him to endure to the end faithfully and to overcome the savage attack
from Satan. There is no greater
blessing then the blessing of eternal life at the side of our Father and
Savior.
I am so
tremendously grateful for these sacred books which provide me with power and
strength to exist in a crumbling world.
They supply answers to my prayers, chasten me that I may learn, expand
my soul to reach new heights, and above all, they protect me against the one who
seeks to destroy me and to steal my opportunity for eternal happiness. I love my Heavenly Father so deeply for
providing such a blessing in my life.
They have created a mighty change within me, and continue to help me
develop into who I should and need to be.
I
conclude with my very favorite quote from the October 2014 General Conference by
Richard G. Scott:
Don’t yield to Satan’s
lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to
study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep,
school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to
reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If
so, do it! –Richard G. Scott
