I have found it helpful to say a prayer asking to understand the scriptures when I read them. Then I ask, What does Heavenly Father want me to learn from this scripture? He always helps.

I bear testimony of our Heavenly Father, the Father of our spirits of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior and of the Holy Ghost, who is the means through which we receive divine guidance. I bear testimony that we can personally receive inspiration.

At the beginning of each chapter, a heading tells us about what is happening in the chapter. We can ask, What was going on here? What was this person feeling? When we take time to look more closely at the scriptures, we can better understand what they can teach us. This will build our self-confidence and our testimony.

We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic. These promptings become the foundation of our testimonies. Then our testimonies will keep us happy and safe in troubled times.

Seeking the kingdom of God leads to joy and happiness.