Scripture Study

By Brother Mack

In Doctrine & Covenants 138, we are taught different ways to study the scriptures. Verse 1 states that President Joseph F. Smith “sat in [his] room,” showing that he removed distractions to focus on the scriptures. He was also “pondering,” meaning he set the scriptures down after reading them and thought about the verses he had read.

Then verse 2 says President Smith was “reflecting,” which to me means he thought profoundly and applied the teachings to his own life. Verse 5 shows that his mind was “engaged.” Verse 6 shows that he was “impressed” with what he read. When we feel impressed or the impression of the Holy Ghost, we are receiving personal revelation.

In verse 11, he “pondered” again, and said, “... the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw.” 

​Pondering these scriptures will deepen our understanding. I recently told my seminary class that I don’t want them to read the scriptures, ever! They all looked at me strangely. But before they could respond, I told them they should put forth great effort and study the scriptures thoroughly. God speaks to us when we study the scriptures.

As Tony Robertson said once in class, if you want to talk to God, pray; if you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures. He is right. If we want God to speak to us, open the scriptures and seek His word.​