My Soul Delighteth

This week in my Book of Mormon study we began to read the words of Isaiah in 2 Nephi.  Just before those writings in 2 Nephi 11:4-5 we read “Behold, my soul delighteth proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ…And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto our fathers; yea my soul delighteth in his grace and his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death”.  As I was doing some research on these verses I found some interesting information about the phrase “My soul dedighteth in”. 

This phrase, “My Soul Delighteth In” occurs only in the writings of Nephi upon the small plates in the Book of Mormon.  Here is a list of those times:

·         2 Nephi 4:15  “My soul delighteth in th scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and profit of my children”
·         2 Nephi 4:16 “My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard”
·         2 Nephi 11:2 “My soul delighteth in his (Isaiah’s) words”
·         2 Nephi 11:4 “My soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of the Christ”
·         2 Nephi 11:5 “My soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers”
·         2 Nephi 11:5 “My soul delighteth in his grace and in his justice an power and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death”
·         2 Nephi 25:4 “My soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn”
·         2 Nephi 25:5 “My soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah…”
·         2 Nephi 25:13 “My soul delighteth to prophesy concerning (Christ)”
·         2 Nephi 25:13 “My soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.”

All of these scriptures talk about those things that bring delight or joy to the prophet Nephi.  As I read over these items I wondered if I take the time to delight and give thanks for these things and the many more that are given to me by my Father in Heaven. 

It is my testimony that I do delight in the scriptures, that they bring great understanding to me of my purpose here on the earth and the Fathers plan for me.  I am learning to delight in the words of Isaiah, and also the other prophets in the scriptures.  My soul delights in missionary work and the bringing of the word of God that they may know of the coming of Christ.  My soul delights in covenants, that I have been baptized and that I am sealed to my husband and children.  That the Lord has given me promises that he will bless me when I am obedient to his commandments.  As I continue to grow and understand grace and mercy my soul delights in those promises of the Atonement that include grace and mercy.  And most of all my soul delighteth in plainness.  I am grateful that the gospel is plain and not complicated, that the love of our Savior is plain and freely given.  I delight that the Lord works among the children of man and I have the privilege to be a recipient of this work here on the earth. 

Ponderize

After watching conference I was super motivated by a talk given by Devin Durrant, First Councilor in the Sunday School Presidency.  He spoke about pondering the scriptures.  He called the task "Ponderizing".  I was instantly moved by what he said and knew that it needed to be a part of my life. Here is what he said:

 I invite you to “ponderize” one verse of scripture each week. The word ponderize is not found in the dictionary, but it has found a place in my heart. So what does it mean to ponderize? I like to say it’s a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization.

There are two simple steps:

First, choose a verse of scripture each week and place it where you will see it every day.

Second, read or think of the verse several times each day and ponder the meaning of its words and key phrases throughout the week.

Imagine the uplifting results of doing this weekly for six months, a year, 10 years, or more.

As you make this effort, you will feel an increase in spirituality. You will also be able to teach and lift those you love in more meaningful ways.

So I am into my second week of Ponderizing and I love it!  There is such power in the time spent thinking about the scriptures and the time spend memorizing the details and concepts that are shown within.  I plan on continuing the act of Ponderizing and hope that many will join me!  

Here is a link to Brother Durrants talk:  

• MY HEART PONDERETH THEM CONTINUALLY

Remembering and Revelation

In 1 Nephi 17:45, Nephi asks his brothers why “ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord our God”.  I wonder about times in my life that I have been slow to remember the Lord.  In remembering the Lord we will become more obedient to him.

 I remembered a time when at the beach we lost our toddler.  I was in a panic that he had gone into the water and we would have lost him.  After searching for a bit in a fit of panic, my Mom and I knelt in prayer on the beach and asked the Lord to help us find that sweet boy.  Moments later we were told that he had been found and they were bringing him back. This was a miracle in my life that sometimes I forget.   I do not remember that when I am having a trial no matter how big or small I can call upon the Lord to help me.  

Later in that same verse we see that Nephi describes his brothers as “past feeling” in reference to the still small voice, or the voice of the Lord.  Elder Boyd K Packer tells us that “revelation comes as words we feel more than words we hear.” (PersonalRevelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise, Boyd K Packer, Oct 1994) How true I have found this to be in my life.  When I am living my life in a way that allows for free flowing of the spirit I am able to feel the word of the spirit guiding me. 

How grateful I am to the scriptures to help me to learn those things that the Lord wants for me in my life.  I am thankful that the Lord is also patient with me and continues to send revelation to me through the spirit and through my searching the scriptures diligently.