Right now in seminary we are just getting to the chapters in 2 Nephi where Isaiah is quoted extensively. Anyone that has read Isaiah knows how hard it can be to understand and apply his words….unless you take one phrase at a time. As you begin to study a phrase here and a phrase there you start to see the beauty of Isaiah’s teachings. Much of the Old Testament is the same way. I have been known to gloss over or skim through chapters because I figured they were too hard to understand or didn’t apply to my own life.
Oh, how wrong I have been!
Written on Our Hearts, Invitations from the Old Testament is a truly beautiful book written by Emily Freeman. It is not a verse-by-verse guide nor even an in-depth doctrinal study. Rather Emily (I will call her Emily as I read her blog Daily Closer to Christ and feel like I know her) writes about the stories in the Old Testament and helps us look for the inspiration within. She asks a few questions or gives a suggestion to help you dig a little deeper.
Recently my daughters and I gave a presentation on ‘Putting on the Whole Armor of God’ at a combined Relief Society and Young Women meeting. With that still fresh in my mind I loved reading the chapter, The Holder of the Bow, toward the end of the book.
Emily quotes from chapter 51 of Jeremiah, “The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: . . . Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: . . .Set up the standard . . . make the watch strong.” She points out that gathering the arrows was not enough; there was work to be done to make sure the arrows were ready for battle. As Emily researched more about arrows she came across this quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,
“We anxiously watch that arrow in flight and know all the evils that can deflect its course after it has left our hand, nevertheless we take courage in remembering that the most important factor in determining that arrow’s destination will be the stability, strength, and unwavering certainty of the holder of the bow.” (A Prayer for the Children,” 87)
Emily prods us to look within “How bright is your arrow? Where does your stability come from? Where do you turn for strength? In what areas is your certainty unwavering?” Have I ever noticed those verses in Jeremiah before? No. Is it applicable to my own day? Yes!
This book is not one to be read straight through, devoured in one sitting. Each short chapter (they are only two or three pages each) should be pondered over, cherished, indeed experienced and applied to our own situations. As you read Emily’s insights then read the stories from the Old Testament (because, really, some of them you might have glossed over too so you need a refresher) you will learn to seek out those phrases which help you to see with new eyes and you will find what Emily found:
“The Old Testament taught me that there is One who is with us through every journey, through every wilderness place, and through every mountain moment. Her is there through the detours, and the changes of course, and the occasions that cause us to climb vertically. He is the Deliverer, Jehovah. He is Jesus Christ.” (pg 173)
Written on Our Hearts is available as a hardcover book or as an e-book. Cover art is by Annie Henrie and inside illustrations are by Dan Burr.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman to review from Deseret Book. All opinions are mine.
GIVEAWAY: Would you like to win a copy of Written on Our Hearts courtesy of Deseret Book? Just leave a comment sharing a story from the Old Testament or even a phrase of scripture that has helped you in your own life. Giveaway ends Sunday at 8pm PST.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Old Testament, Joshua, Joshua 1)
I know I am in the minority here but I really enjoy the Old Testament, for the most part, even though it is hard reading. I love seeing the parallels between our church and the Jewish religion. And how can it not be applied to our day? There is so much talk of murder, infidelity, disobedience to God, etc. and that doesn’t even go into account all of the positive things we can apply to our lives 😉
Daphne stole mine! No but seriously. When I was 14 my family moved from Utah to Florida. I had undiagnosed social anxiety and didn’t know how to handle myself in a brand new culture. We visited an LDS Bookstore and they had these little wallet-size cards with your name and a scripture on them. The scripture that happened to be on my name’s card was Joshua 1:9. It was the first time I’d ever heard of that scripture and I couldn’t believe how perfect it was for me. Good grief. Anyway, I love that scripture a lot.
Job 19:24 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
Through all Job’s trails his faith in Christ was unwavering. As I have taught this to my children this year I have come to the realization that I too will be given trials and that my faith needs to be strengthened daily so that I, like Job, will not falter.
We’ve just about finished the Isaiah chapters in our seminary class, and I’ve thoroughly loved them. Seeing the astonished look when one student said (after cross-referencing Rev. 19:10 to 2 Nephi 25:4) “You mean if I have a testimony I can prophesy?” and seeing their understanding grow as we discussed that principle was the highlight of my week.
I think my favorite Old Testament phrase, at least for today, is “For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” (It had to be one from Isaiah!) I’m so grateful that the Lord’s love and mercy are ever present and constant.
I have to say that I love the Psalms. However, my own personal motto comes from Isaiah 51:3, “…joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.” Words I try to live by…
I took an Isaiah class in college and it completely opened my eyes. I love the passage that talks about how we are engraved on the palms of his hands. Beautifully symbolic.
I love the story of Joseph and his foresight to prepare for the 7 years of famine. 🙂
I have loved Joshua 1:9 since I was a teenager. I think it has so many applications, and I am grateful for the strength it brings me. I also love the story of Elijah–as he waited by the brook Cherith, as he went to Zarephath and asked for the woman’s last drops of food, and as the promises he made to her were fulfilled. I love the later part about the altar for Baal’s priests and the altar for God. He said, “Let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel and that I am thy servant.” I so want to be bold as Elijah, and unafraid of what is happening. Yet, more often I feel like the widow–doing my best to take care of my family with the resources I have and trusting God to take care of me.
I love the perfect simplicity of the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel, chapter 17. It’s the classic good-versus-evil story where the good guy wins. The good guy is a youngster who is brave and faithful enough to confront a veritable giant who is bad-mouthing and making fun of the people who believe in God. When David has heard enough, he confronts Goliath with this powerful gospel message:
“You may be huge and well-armed, but I am armed with the power of the God whom you say does not exist. Today that same God will give me the power to defeat you, therefore proving to all that He IS God!” (1 Sam.17:45-46)
I am grateful that the Lord gives us power and ability to face the Goliaths of our day. With faith and trust, we can face those giants that would destroy us and our confidence in God, thus making us stronger still!
You know that airline commercial that says, “What’s in your wallet?” Who CARES what’s in your wallet…
What’s in your SLING?
“trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). This scripture can help me through most anything!
Thanks you so much!
I ♥ the story of Rebekah & Issac in Genesis 24. As a single divorced Mom (it’s been 6 years that I’ve been divorced), I take great strength from their story. First, that I need to be as Rebekah & be out doing good and having the same type of qualities that I am looking for in a mate. I love vs 58 when she was asked if she would go and she was prepared & simply said, “I will go.” I just melt in vs 67 where it says, “and he (Issac) loved her.” I hope to someday find my own worthy priesthood holder who will “love me” and take me to the temple. 🙂
Joshua 1:9 taught me to be strong and unafraid, to have courage, and to not give in to doubts or discouragement. I love this verse!
AuntSue
I have always been fascinated by the story of Deborah in Judges 4. She was a righteous woman at a time when there was no righteous leader in Israel. She encouraged Israel to go forth, and helped lead them to victory. Today this story is even more timely. Today we see women who want to have stronger leadership roles in the church, including holding the priesthood. I am reminded of the story of Deborah. But the big difference, is that today we have many righteous leaders in the church, who are following God’s direction. As women, we have supporting roles in church leadership, until there are no righteous priesthood leaders. And that is for God, not us to decide.
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Job: my challenges seem easy.
I have always been impressed with the faith of Esther. She went before the king to plead for the lives of her people, knowing full well that it could have cost her her life. But she fasted for three days and called on the powers of Heaven to guide her in her actions, and her people were not only blessed, but rewarded.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season and time to every purpose under heaven.
When Jerusalem is beseiged by the Assyrians, and Hezekiah takes his problems to the temple and prays. 2 Kings 19.
The story of Hannah and Samuel is so dear to me. It’s where my son’s name comes from.
I am very shy. When I was a missionary 1 Chronicles 28:20 bolstered my courage and reminded me that the Lord of the vineyard was working with me.
“Be strong and of good courage, and do it; fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”
I enjoy studying the stories of women in the scriptures. I’ve always loved Ruth and Naomi as well as Esther. I try to grow my faith to be like theirs.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) – I love this scripture. It is short, to the point, and full of wisdom!
Five times in the Book of Isaiah we read, “the hand of the Lord is stretched out still.” (Is.5:25,9:12, 9:17,9:21,&10:4). I will never forget this. It is his promise to me.
1 Corinthians 3, “ye are God’s husbandry.” I like to be a part of the big picture and to feel useful.
Proverb 31 has taught me what it means to be a wife, mother and homemaker. It speak to me heart.
Okay, I couldn’t STAND IT! I HAD to include another scripture! While I was serving my mission in South America, my very Jewish best friend was worried about my safety. No matter how I assured her that I would be in God’s care, she still worried. In her words~ “Hey, I’m Jewish. Like I won’t worry?!” She sent me these verses from Numbers, chapter 6, saying “There! Now I feel better knowing that you can be blessed from Jewish scripture as well.” And I have loved these verses ever since! Such tender assurances from the Lord!
24- The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
25- The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26- The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
I have always admired the strength of Ruth and Ester.
I remember loving the Old Testament in seminary the year we studied it. Haven’t studied it since then. I love Joshua 24:15-helped me decide if I should continue dating a guy or not. Now, I have a framed version on my wall.
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