The scripture that framed my entire night:
“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”(D&C 130:20-21)
A night when stillness spoke louder than motion.
Excerpt
Blessings are predicated on law — but not in the way a vending machine dispenses what we demand. They arrive through becoming, trusting, and walking with God in His timing.
Intro
The word predicated has been echoing in my mind since my time in the temple today. It comes from Doctrine and Covenants 130, where the Lord teaches that every blessing is tied to a law. Not earned, not purchased, not demanded — but predicated. As I reflected on the week’s experiences, the people I’ve tried to help, and my own quiet questions, this truth settled deeply: God’s timing shapes God’s blessings.
Notes from the Temple & Talks
As I sat with the scriptures open, the Spirit reminded me that obedience is not a transaction but a relationship. Elder Dale G. Renlund explains:
“Blessings from heaven are neither earned by frenetically accruing ‘good deed coupons’ nor by helplessly waiting to see if we win the blessing lottery.… Blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential.”
Those words matched what I’ve lived this week — acting where I can, helping who I can, trusting that small efforts still move heaven’s work forward.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson warns against the temptation to expect blessings on our timeline:
“Some misunderstand the promises of God to mean that obedience to Him yields specific outcomes on a fixed schedule.… We ought not to think of God’s plan as a cosmic vending machine… where the order is promptly delivered.”
This is not how God works — and yet, He always works.
Perspective (Direct Quotes)
D&C 130:20–21 teaches:
“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated… And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”
Elder Renlund adds:
“The truth is much more nuanced but more appropriate for the relationship between a loving Heavenly Father and His potential heirs.”
Elder Christofferson clarifies:
“…not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed, and timed according to our expectations.”
Practice (Today, Not Someday)
Today I will trust the process.
I will obey not to earn, but to become.
I will keep acting in faith, helping where I can, and letting the Lord handle the timing of what I cannot control.
I will let small acts of discipleship be enough — because they are.
Final Reflection
Elder Christofferson offers a truth that speaks to moments of uncertainty, impatience, or pleading:
“So, in the midst of this refiner’s fire, rather than get angry with God, get close to God. Call upon the Father in the name of the Son. Walk with Them in the Spirit, day by day. Allow Them over time to manifest Their fidelity to you. Come truly to know Them and truly to know yourself. Let God prevail.”
This is the heart of predicated.
Blessings unfold as we walk with Him — not as we demand from Him.
They arrive in due time, in His way, shaped by His love and our readiness.
Pocket I’m Keeping
Obedience prepares me, trust steadies me, and God’s timing refines me.
What I Hear Now
“Let God prevail.”
“Blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired action is essential.”
“Not every blessing comes according to our expectations.”
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