My soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord

2 Nephi 11

Nephi is now the author. He delights in the scriptures. He saw the Savior as well as Jacob and many others have testified of seeing him. His delight is in proving the truth of the coming of Christ. I had to smile when I read that. When Chase was on his mission, that was his joy as well. He loved to prove the truthfulness of the gospel.

I particularly came to attention when I read v5 because if is somewhat the theme for our single stake's ward conferences this year. “. . .my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord. . .” As I have pondered this theme for weeks, I find that I too find delight in the covenants. As I struggle with the course of a wayward child, it is almost more than I bear. Then I do an endowment and hear the promises that are made through my keeping of the covenants and I somehow find comfort that things will work out. I don't know how. I see such entanglement in sin and destructive behavior that I wonder just how the Lord can fix this. But I have faith that I did what I covenanted to do as a parent. We taught the gospel to our children. We taught them about the atonement and that they have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who will be there for them. Because of this, I know somehow at some time, she will reach out and beg for forgiveness. It may not be in this life. I understand that too. I don't understand exactly how, but I understand it is not over until the judgment day.

Yes, I find delight in the covenants of the Lord. His promises are sure. He has shown this to me in so many ways. It is up to me to keep the covenants I have made – to attend the temple often to renew those covenants. Interesting that as we get older and our children need those blessings, there seems to be more time – or at least a higher priority – for just that. For this I am grateful.

And tomorrow I begin the Isaiah chapters. Each time I reach this point, it becomes easier and I understand more though I wonder if I'll ever be able to explain it to anyone else. Isaiah was an interesting man in his writings. I find it interesting that he said he wrote plainly for those who had the spirit of the Lord to understand. I pray each time I read these chapters that the Lord will bless me with that spirit to understand.