Walk with Him: Scriptures Tether Us to Him

As the breaches of the temple were being repaired, a book of scripture was discovered (2 Kings 22:5). When King Josiah “heard the words of the book of the law…he rent his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11), realizing how far from the Lord he and his people had strayed. He then gathered all the people, “both small and great” (2 Kings 23:2), and “read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant” (2 Kings 23:2). He read the scriptures. He shared what he read. He covenanted with his heart and soul to follow the laws that he read. Then, he acted. He burned, put down, stamped, cast out, brake down as much wickedness as he could. 2 Kings 23 is a chapter of cleansing, turning, and repenting. “And like unto him was there no other king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.”

I just met King Josiah, but he’s my new hero of scripture power. He took the scriptures deep into the fibers of his life. They changed his life, his direction. Sacred words tethered him to God, and he worked hard to align all his actions (heart and soul) to this covenant relationship and continually walk “after the Lord” (2 Kings 23:3).

Do the scriptures flow into the fibers of my life? As I packed for a recent vacation, I found myself tucking my scriptures into the suitcase at the very last minute. Since I’m an analog reader, scripture study clearly wasn’t a priority. I’m good, but I can do better. Next trip, I want to pack my scriptures along with my toothbrush–both being essential for a good day.

Two Thoughts from Others

“The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time, your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.” (President Russell M. Nelson)

“Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life.” (Elder Richard G. Scott)