Masticating the Word: Making Scripture Live in Your Heart

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing I’ve learned since returning from my mission—and trust me, I’ve been deep in the trenches of the field—it’s that the gospel isn't a book you read cover-to-cover. It’s a diet. It’s something you have to chew on until it changes the very way you think.

I was thinking the other day about the difference between *reading* scripture and truly *meditating* upon it. It’s a huge leap, and it’s where the real work happens. We talk so much about getting to the temple, about the callings, about the *work* itself, but sometimes we forget the quiet, daily process that prepares us for those moments.

The principle laid out in Psalm 1 is beautiful, isn't it? Being like a tree planted by rivers—fruitful, enduring, flourishing. But what does it mean to "meditate on the law day and night"? It sounds academic, almost like homework, until you realize it’s less about the *effort* and more about the *absorption*.

The Art of Savoring the Spirit

One friend shared this analogy that really struck me: meditating on the Word is like chewing gum. It sounds silly, I know! But the point he made was profound. You don't just glance at it; you put it in your mouth, you let it coat your tongue, and you chew it slowly, savoring every flavor until it becomes part of you. The Word of God is infinitely more precious than any piece of gum, but the analogy holds for the *process*.

This isn't just about intellectual agreement; it's about letting the Spirit impress divine thought onto your heart. It’s making the doctrine *yours*. When we do this, we start to feel the bedrock truth: God keeps His promises. He is not a man that can lie. (Numbers 23:19). That truth is the anchor for every disciple, whether you’re in the MTC, in a mission field, or just running errands with your family.

I was struck by the speaker's encouragement to take a verse, proclaim it aloud, and declare, “I believe your word, and I will live it.” That declaration—that act of claiming the promise—is powerful missionary preparation, whether you are standing on the street corner or sitting in your living room.

Making It Routine: A Disciple's Skill

If you want to get better at this, I highly recommend picking one verse—maybe one that speaks to your current struggle, or one that reminds you of the Savior’s Atonement. Don't just read it. Repeat it. Write it out. Talk to your companions about it. If you’re looking for a structured way to deepen this, I encourage you to check out the Social Scripture Study layer within LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to see how others are wrestling with the same passages.

For those of us who are prepping for missions, this is gold. It’s the difference between knowing the doctrine and *feeling* the doctrine. It’s what helps you when the investigator asks the tough question, and you need to draw on more than just memorized talking points.

Where to Go From Here

As we continue to strive to be better disciples—to be better internet missionaries—let’s commit to this practice. Don't wait for a formal study session. Today, pick a verse. Let it be your gum. Chew it slowly. Let it flavor your entire day.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into how to approach tough doctrinal questions, I always point my friends toward Davee. He’s fantastic at walking you through the role of the AI Investigator, helping you prepare for those moments when the questions get deep.

If you’re ready to build community around this, join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Let’s keep this momentum going together!