I am learning so much as I s-l-o-w-l-y study my scriptures. It is a very comforting feeling to know that I have no deadline on when I finish reading the Book of Mormon this time around. At this rate I am probably looking at a long time, but its not the time I am concerned about it is how much I am getting from my study. I will record my thoughts and impressions verse by verse:
vs 4 The law of the Lord is given as a light to His children to help us navigate our way home to Him while living in a world filled with darkness. Light is always more powerful than darkness. Even the smallest light shines brightly in the dark. Therefore, if we pay attention and strive to be obedient to the law of the Lord we will be blessed with power to overcome the world and return home to Heavenly Father.
vs 5 The Lord's righteousness is as near as a prayer of faith when offered with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Our own righteousness is as powerful as our companionship with the Holy Ghost, repentance, and faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. For He is our judge. When I stop to think that my Savior has experienced my pain, my sorrow, my joy, my frustration, every emotion and physical affliction I am humbled. When I ponder the fact that He understands me perfectly and knows why I make the decisions I make I am humbled. I know that I cannot hide anything from Him and so I must not try to hide my sins or my mistakes. Instead I must trust His love and guidance in my life. Who else would I want to judge me? I believe that He will show as much mercy and compassion as He can. My ultimate happiness depends on how honest I am with myself and with my Lord. I trust that He will save me from myself.
vs 6 Look to the Lord in all ways and in all things for His ways are eternal. All that is mortal, including the earth, is subject to decay and death. We are all temporary on this earth, only the Lord and His promise of resurrection and eternal life is permanent. The quality of my life for eternity depends on my perspective today--is it eternal or temporary?
vs 7 Has the law of the Lord been written upon my heart? It has been my experience that when my heart is converted then my actions follow easily. When only my head knows what should be done then I struggle to do whatever it is. But when my heart and my head are in agreement then the struggle to act is over. The consequences of doing what other people do not understand is sometimes unpleasant. Being a disciple of Christ means that we must be prepared to overcome the choice of others to make our mortal life unpleasant because we choose to act in a way they do not understand. We must follow in the path of the Savior who suffered rejection, abuse, and death because people chose to act in negative, unpleasant ways in their refusal to accept and understand Him. Can we expect to become like Him if we do not face opposition no matter how unpleasant?
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