Verses 15–32 are the words of the Lord to Alma in answer to his earnest inquiry. The very next verse tells us, “When Alma had heard these words he wrote them down.” That is a wonderful suggestion to every one of us. While you are studying the scriptures, you are entitled to receive the Spirit; and while feeling the Spirit, revelation may come. Keep a notebook, any kind of notebook, right alongside your scriptures, and during your reading, stop and ponder what you read. As impressions come to you, write them down. They may be thoughts about what you are reading, but maybe not. While you are “in the Spirit,” the Lord may reveal something to you that has nothing to do with what is written on the page you are studying but has everything to do with the specific circumstances of your life. Sometimes as impressions come we may think, “Don’t bother me, Lord, I’m studying the scriptures!”—and he can’t get through to us. Do not get too busy going through the motions that you cannot receive revelation when he wants to send it. Joseph Smith once warned, “For neglecting to write these things when God had revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth, the Spirit may withdraw and God may be angry.” 43
If God tells us something, we need to write it down right then, as Alma did.
“Alma Wrote Them Down”
Verses 15–32 are the words of the Lord to Alma in answer to his earnest inquiry. The very next verse tells us, “When Alma had heard these words he wrote them down.” That is a wonderful suggestion to every one of us. While you are studying the scriptures, you are entitled to receive the Spirit; and while feeling the Spirit, revelation may come. Keep a notebook, any kind of notebook, right alongside your scriptures, and during your reading, stop and ponder what you read. As impressions come to you, write them down. They may be thoughts about what you are reading, but maybe not. While you are “in the Spirit,” the Lord may reveal something to you that has nothing to do with what is written on the page you are studying but has everything to do with the specific circumstances of your life. Sometimes as impressions come we may think, “Don’t bother me, Lord, I’m studying the scriptures!”—and he can’t get through to us. Do not get too busy going through the motions that you cannot receive revelation when he wants to send it. Joseph Smith once warned, “For neglecting to write these things when God had revealed them, not esteeming them of sufficient worth, the Spirit may withdraw and God may be angry.” 43
If God tells us something, we need to write it down right then, as Alma did.