Power from the Scriptures

By Sheena Perron

When I hear the words “scripture power” I can’t help but imagine a room full of primary aged children enthusiastically raising their fists and scriptures into the air as they sing the words, “scripture power” as loudly as they can. As I see these children in my mind, so happy and excited about the scriptures, I can’t help but ask myself, “Am I excited about the scriptures? Do I believe that they have great power?

Young children are so excited about the gospel. They have incredible faith and trust in what they learn from leaders and parents, but somewhere along the way our lives become filled with so many responsibilities, distractions, fears, and doubts that we begin to forget that excitement that we once felt. These feelings can leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost and hopeless. When these feelings overcome us do we remember the words that we once sang as young children:

“Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can, I’m reading His instructions, I’m following His plan. Because I want the power His word will give to me, I’m changing how I live, I’m changing what I’ll be

Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. Scripture power is the power to win. Scripture power! Every day I need, the power that I get each time I read.

Each of us needs this power that the young primary children sing with such enthusiasm. Have you ever thought about the power that you receive when you diligently study? There are many ways in which you can receive power from the scriptures, but today I will discuss just three ways.

Power to Combat Contention

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. … Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Marion G. Romney, “The Book of Mormon,” April 1980).

Family scripture study can seem like a daunting task, especially with young children. I know too well the frustration when everyone is complaining and no one seems to be paying attention. My advice is to be patient and stick with it. Find a time that works for you and your family. I read of one family that studies the scriptures before dinner. Like many of us, at first it was not a success, but over time they saw a difference. Their discussion during dinner began to contain gospel-related questions and discussions.

“Certainly, all was not rosy and perfect from then on, but as the quality of our scripture reading improved, so did the quality of our relationships. There was a decrease in contention in our home. When the family faced a challenge, we were united in working out solutions. I also noticed that our children had more confidence. The promises of increased love, harmony, and respect were fulfilled” (Nancy del Plain, “Finding Power in the Scriptures,” Aug. 2012).

Power to Receive Answers

“When we come to a crisis in our life, … we should go looking in the scriptures for specific help. We will find answers in the scriptures. The Lord seemed to anticipate all of our problems and all of our needs, and He put help in the scriptures for us—if only we seek it” (Henry B. Eyring, “A Discussion on Scripture Study,” Ensign, July 2005).

It is comforting to know that we can find answers in the scriptures, even though they were written so long ago. Another example of receiving answers from the scriptures comes from my husband.

My husband owns an automotive shop. Several years ago he was working on a customer’s car and couldn’t figure out the problem. He had tried everything he could think of and nothing seemed to work. Finally, he decided to pray about it. The next morning, while studying his scriptures, he said that a very detailed thought came into his mind. It was as if someone was telling him exactly what to do. As he arrived at work, he immediately tried out what had come to his mind that morning, and found it to be the solution to the problem. His diligence scripture study proved to be not only powerful but incredibly helpful during time of worry and stress.

“Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Oct. 2011).

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Power of Peace

“Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Oct. 2011).

There are countless scriptures that we can read to bring us peace and comfort. Many of these scriptures bring peace and comfort because they remind us that we are not alone, and with the help of the Savior we can overcome our trials. Some of my favorite scriptures include:

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Helaman 5:12

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

Mosiah 24:14

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

Do you have favorite scriptures that bring you comfort and peace?

Unlimited Power

I have shared only a few ways we can be empowered as we immerse ourselves in the scriptures. How have you received strength and power from the scriptures? Have you received power to overcome a weakness? Power to resist temptation? Power of protection? Power to hear Him? Power to go forward with faith?

This life will be full of challenges, but we don’t have to go through it alone or without help. As we utilize the tools that have been given to us, trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and turn to Him for help, He will provide us with the power and strength needed to overcome whatever we may face.

“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (see D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Oct. 2011). 

Sheena Perron is the founder of Little LDS Ideas and Seek Christ Daily. Her mission is to help others become seekers of Christ through uplifting online content and events. She has been featured in the Ensign, Deseret News, and KSL Radio. Follow Sheena Perron on Instagram and Facebook