"Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you;..." —Doctrine and Covenants 50:21-25

For seven to eight years I shared job responsibilities with a man who did not appreciate the message of the Restoration. He was very open and vocal with his feelings about Joseph Smith and the Church. One particular day, his morning greeting was a negative statement about Church history. That statement set the tone for the day. All morning there was a constant attack directed at the Church. By noon I had such a heavy feeling of darkness and despair and felt weighed down with negative feelings. It was as real as a heavy coat on a hot summer day. I have not the words to describe that dark feeling. I felt a desperate need for a spiritual lift.

At lunch time I went to my car, sat down and reached for my scriptures. I let the book fall open and started reading. My eyes focused upon Doctrine and Covenants 50: 21-25. These verses were just what I needed. They were a tender mercy that made all the darkness leave. I have often let that book fall open and it has never opened to that spot again. I have not been able to find anything in all the standard works that would have been more suited to my situation that day.

We often hear the phrase 'when you want to talk to God, pray; and when you want God to talk to you, read the scriptures.' God talked to me that day. I am grateful to have had this experience; I learned that I am never alone. Our Heavenly Father is always aware of our needs and situations.

— Elder Elias Miller, Taipei Taiwan Temple Mission

"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you.

Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax (801) 237-2524. E-mail: churchnews@desnews.com