In General Conference earlier this month, Elder Richard G. Scott said the following: “Our Father in Heaven understood that for us to make desired progress during our mortal probation, we would need to face difficult challenges. Some of these would be almost overpowering. He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures… Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” October 2011 General Conference).
For many years I have made it a practice to memorize scriptures that have strengthened and inspired me. In more recent years, I have selected some to memorize in both English and Spanish. I spend a few minutes each day memorizing and rememorizing scriptures. This practice has blessed my life and strengthened me in times of discouragement and temptation. In addition, doing so has helped me to teach the gospel in our home, at Church and when talking with others.
I have come to know from personal experience that the following words of scripture are true: “Treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man” (D&C 84:85). Many times, words of scripture that I have treasured up through study and memorization have come to mind in a moment of need.
May I invite each of us to select a few cherished scriptures to memorize and rememorize on a regular basis—particularly those scriptures that have touched our hearts to strengthen us against temptation and to help us understand, apply and teach doctrine. For parents, such a practice will help them to teach their children with a power that would not otherwise be available.
As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trial and peace in troubled times.
You can read the Book of Mormon online at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng
To receive a free physical copy go to: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon
Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng
