Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life Psalm 119:49-50
While helping a friend pack moving boxes, I noticed in a drawer all of these cards – birthday, anniversary, get well. Some were crayon scribbled, some professionally printed, some with poems, some with humor. She smiled and said she never throws away a card. When she gets down in the dumps, she pulls them out and remembers how much she means to friends and family and how much they mean to her. She recalls the good and the bad, and that through all the tears and smiles she was not alone.
Years ago, I began writing Bible passage references in the back of the study Bible my mother gave me one Christmas. I had four columns – God’s Grace, Overcoming Temptations and Trials, Living a Holy Life, and God Loves Me. When I found a passage that fit one of those categories, I’d list it. God’s Grace – Mt 6:25-33, 1Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 2:10-11. Overcoming Trials – Philippians 4:13, 1 Peter 5:10, James 4:7-8. Holy Life – 1Peter 3:1-4, James 5:13-16, Colossians 3:16. God Loves Me – John 3:16-17, Hebrews 2:5-7, Ephesians 3:18, 2Thessalonians 2:16-17. The list goes on. I also wrote down sayings that I heard in Bible studies, sermons, and on retreats. Like GRACE is God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Put God FIRST – in Finances, Interests, Relationships, Schedules and Troubles. If God doesn’t feel close perhaps it is because He wants me to be draw closer to Him.
I must confess I had forgotten all those in the back of that Bible, until packing up all of my friend’s cards reminded me that whenever I need to feel loved, or encouraged, I can go to my own “drawer” and pull out His Words – like special delivery cards to me. All of those passages that have brought me through in the past. Just as we look through a sea of greeting cards on the shelves in the store to pick just the right one for a friend or family member, so we can turn to Scripture and let God help us to find just the passage we need. Realizing that, I made up my own card for my friend- with the passages that had meant so much to me and hopefully would to her as she moved and started over in a new town. Just as I have had to do many times. Writing them all down for her, brought renewed comfort and joy to me.
Some people journal, some blog, some write poems or music, some paint. Whatever is your passion, start your own “drawer” of God’s words to live by. And, visit it often.
