The Power of “Ponderizing”

Even in the midst of our busy lives, we can be spiritually enlightened by “ponderizing” the scriptures daily.

When our lives get hectic, it’s tempting to put scripture study on the back burner. We might skim over a few verses before bed or just skip our scripture study altogether. Either way, we miss out on important spiritual insights that can uplift us daily. But how can we receive the spiritual strength we need when we are so busy?

In his October 2015 general conference address, “My Heart Pondereth Them Continually,” Brother Devin G. Durrant provides a simple yet powerful solution: ponderizing. He defines ponderizing as “a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization.” He challenges us to ponderize one scripture every week by following two steps:

1. Select a verse and place it where you will see it each day, such as on the fridge, in your car, or on the lock screen of your cell phone.
2. Reflect on the verse several times a day, pondering its meaning and key phrases.

The goal is not to memorize the scripture perfectly but to write the words on our hearts and minds (see 2 Corinthians 3:3). As we do this, we create a mental sanctuary where our thoughts can go when we are faced with temptation—a place where the Spirit dwells. “When our minds are filled with uplifting thoughts and images . . .  there is no room left for filth and trash,” Brother Durrant explains.

Ponderizing allows us to seamlessly incorporate spiritual meditation into our everyday lives. We can ponderize as we drive to work, shop for groceries, or do the dishes. Even the most mundane tasks can become sources of inspiration as we “continually strive to fill [our] mind[s] with God’s words.”

So what’s your verse? Read or watch “My Heart Pondereth Them Continually” to learn more about Brother Durrant’s challenge to ponderize.

Source: LDS general conference

—Maryssa Dennis, Mormon Insights

feature image courtesy of lds media library

Find more insights

Read the Psalm of Nephi to see the joy that he found in pondering the scriptures (2 Nephi 4:14–35).

Watch or read Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk “The Power of Scripture” for more information on the benefits of memorizing and pondering scriptures.

To learn more about the importance of daily scripture study, watch or read “My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures” by Julie B. Beck.

Watch or read a talk by Cheryl C. Lant, also entitled “My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures,” to better understand how we can increase our love for the scriptures.