Romans 5:3-5 (King James Version)

My ponderize scripture for the week of 11 – 19 July 2016 was Romans 5:3-5

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is spread abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

These verses had particular meaning to me at this time because I could relate to the words so well and see it manifest in my own life. I have often seen why I have needed to go through trials in my life when looking back on them but I can’t remember a time where I have been able to say I am grateful that I had the trial that I did, that was up until very recently when I was able to be there for a friend that was going through a similar experience.

Some of the words that can be related to tribulation are: Affliction; Anguish; Distress; Grief; Misery; Oppression; Persecution; Sorrow; Suffering; Trouble.

To make it more personal I exchanged the word tribulations for each of these words that it could be related to and thought of an experience I have had and looked for the development of patience, experience, and hope in me as a person. I also thought about how I would never imagined that I would get through those situations but I did and that was through the love of God and largely the guidance and support of the Holy Ghost.

I was amazed at how true this was, and it wasnt only true in a few instances, it was true every time! With each trial I did develop patience, I learnt from my experiences, I had a brighter hope for the future and I felt the love of my Father in heaven and guiding influences of the Holy Ghost.

A scripture that was linked in the footnotes to the work tribulation is found in 2 Corinthians 4:17. I loved the comfort and peace it brought to my mind and the hope that it gave

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” 

Our afflictions (tribulations) are ours only for a “moment” and what is being prepared for us is far greater and it’s eternal!

I LOVE THAT THOUGHT!

I have learnt so much this week about why we have our trials and how to better handle them.

Ponderize – Devin G. Durrant

In the General Conference address of October 2015, Elder Devin G. Durrant gave a talk about the scriptures and not only reading them.

After this talk, I was inspired and was enthusiastic about taking up the challenge to “ponderize” a scripture each week, but each time I planned on finding a scripture I got caught up in something else. But at last, I have decided to make this a part of my blog, this way I feel a sense of commitment towards the task, not only for my current followers but for my future generations that will be able to read this and in some way get to know me when I am no longer here.

So I will be writing a weekly post on a scripture that I have ponderized the previous week

Here is the excerpt with the challenge and promise from his talk:

“I invite you to “ponderize”³ 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.”

My Heart Pondereth Them Continually – Devin G. Durrant