Pondering often opens our understanding to greater truths. Sometimes we feel that we must be “doing” something every minute, whereas nothing could be further from the truth. When we ponder before acting, we understand and appreciate principles more deeply, and this brings a higher degree of clarity to our thinking, thereby changing our attitudes and often our behavior. Pondering has a wonderful effect upon our very being. Is our desire to know the things of God great enough that we are willing to ponder and meditate upon them? (See D&C 138:1–11.)
Nephi’s response to his father’s prophetic ministry is an example of how pondering leads to knowledge and inspiration. It is a two-step process, as Nephi has discovered:
• Nephi has a great desire to know (see 1 Nephi 11:1).
• He has faith in the principle that by seeking diligently he will find (see 1 Nephi 10:19).
• He knows that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see 1 Nephi 10:18).
• He cultivates the same mindset of faithful inquiry that the Apostle James commends: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).
• Nephi has a conviction that the mysteries of God will be revealed by the power of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Nephi 10:19).