God’s Word…how much do you know of it? How much of it have you hidden in your heart? How much of it do you pray back to Him or run to in time of need for strength or comfort? Where do you turn when needing guidance or direction? Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) To whom or what do you go to in times of trouble or distress? God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) When your faith is wavering or you just need to be reminded that He is in control, can you pull verses from the reservoirs of your heart? Those verses that you have hidden in your heart that you might not sin against Him and the verses that we cling to on a regular basis. What are they?
Which verses come to mind when you are faced with those difficult situations or issues that come up…even in the day to day? What truths do you stand on when temptation comes your way? Do they automatically come to mind because they are in the storage lockers of your heart and mind? Or do you have to search them out from the pages? Turning to His Word is always, always, always the best thing to do either way. But here and how…what have you hidden in your heart?
We may not always have with us a written hard copy of the Bible in our pocket or access to it. That is WHY it is so important to have it in our hearts, that can be resourced at a moments notice. Verses for all situations…times of fear, loneliness, anger or doubt. Verses that remind us WHO Jesus is, WHAT God has done, WHERE our home is and WHY we do what we do…in the power of the Holy Spirit. Verses that we are able to encourage others with, as well as ourselves. It is those verses that we cling to, trust in and rely upon to get us through any and all situations.
His Word is ALIVE and POWERFUL! Meant to be used in and dependent upon in the battle we are in. Just as Jesus used God’s Word in response to Satan when He was being tempted in the wilderness…so should we! It is NOT going to be stories from a preacher, philosophy from a guru or positive affirmations from a friend that are going to help you in times of trouble, testing, or trials…it is God’s WORD! That should be our weapon of choice when facing each new day in the spiritual war we entered into when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. (Ephesians 6:10-18) When we crossed over from the dark side and now reside in His glorious light!
God’s Word…hidden in our heats and minds will be treasures we can glean from forever. No one can take that away from you. God forbid you become stranded, isolated or even imprisoned…but if you did…what resources could you pull from the depths of your soul to get you through that situation? We do know the Holy Spirit can and will bring to our remembrance those verses, right for the moment in our time of need. Whether that be our own need or sharing with a sister or brother, loved one or a friend in their time of distress. God’s Word is to be treasured, hidden in our hearts and minds and used to get through this thing we call LIFE! Time in the Word is NEVER a waste, nor is the effort it takes to memorize those verses…both are time and energy well spent! Those verses that are the practical necessities to live life…trusting, dependent upon and clinging to God for the day to day.
The Book of Philippians is just one of the books that has many verses that I call “rubber meet the road verses”. These are truths that if Christians would truly believe and live by…the church would be undeniable and flourishing! I’d like to share a few of my favorites with you. These are a few from my reserves that I go to, pray back and use regularly to remind myself…that He is in control of my life.
Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:21 – For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippian 2:3,4 – Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.
Philippians 2:13 – for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 3:10 – that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death…
Philippians 3: 13,14 – Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one this I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6,7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:11 – Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
These few verses…cover many things we need to remember, stand upon and live out. Christ in us and working through us…is what these verses remind us of. He is our source of strength, He is our supplier, He is our courage, He is our resource, He is confidence and He is our contentment. Apart from Him…we can do nothing…but with the power of His Holy Spirit, these few verses can mean the difference of victory or defeat in many situations. Take time to hide these in your heart, pull them from the depths of your reserves when needed through out your day. Use them for yourself or pray them for those you know have need. Let God’s Word replace those things that stumble and tear you down, bad things that have been allowed to fill your heart and mind. Let God’s Word be YOUR go to Book when needing advice, encouragement, courage or when you are discontent. God’s Word…hide it in YOUR heart today.
Selah.
choosingtoliveandlove 