Men and women can find solutions to life's most perplexing problems through reading the scriptures, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Saturday morning session of conference.
"Our Father in Heaven understood that for us to make desired progress during our mortal probation, we would need to face difficult challenges," he said. "Some of these challenges would be almost overpowering. He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures."
Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate one's mind and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high, Elder Scott said. They are the key to opening the channel of communication with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
"The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly," he said. "They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. 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."
Individuals can find great power through memorizing scriptures, Elder Scott said.
"To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship," he said. "It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort and be a source of motivation for needed change."
As individuals ponder the scriptures, they are able to find direction and form a foundation of support. Scriptures provide an incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help, Elder Scott said.
"Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost," he said. "Scripture 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."
Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in an individual's life, according to their needs, Elder Scott said. A scripture that someone may have read many times can take on a different meaning when a new challenge in life appears.
Using examples from the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, Elder Scott shared passages that have helped him with specific doctrines of the gospel. In reference to the Book of Mormon, Elder Scott said, "I love this book. I testify with my soul that it is true, that it was prepared for the blessing of the House of Israel, and of its component parts spread throughout the world. All who will study its message in humility, in faith believing in Jesus Christ, will know of its truthfulness and will find a treasure to lead them to greater happiness, peace and attainment in this life. I testify by all that is sacred, this book is true."
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