My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Proverbs 4:20-22
Advertisement companies spend billions of dollars to capture our attention offering longer life and good health. We are willing to try techniques to make our lives less complicated with the hope of prolonging our days. Certainly, the Bible is more than an advertisement. It provides an uncompromised instruction to eternal (never-ending) life. How is it possible that anyone would neglect this cash free opportunity to experience what we are all searching for?
As a believer in Jesus Christ, realizing that there will be adverse situations in your life is a lesson to be learned quickly. I have walked through the fire of adversity because I kept God’s word in front of my eyes. The word adversity reminds me to add a verse of scripture to my memory. This is not true because of the Hebrew or Greek translation of adversity but simply a reminder of a greater reality. Life has taken me through challenging obstacles in which I would not have made it without a word from God!
Confidently searching the scriptures with an expectation for answers demonstrates our passion for instruction from Him. His word washes over the hurting places bringing peace and comfort creating a soothing, healing experience in my soul. A wise person adds a verse of scripture into their heart on a regular basis especially before entering the midst of adversity. I think of it this way, if you add a verse (of scripture) it removes the impact of the adversity that will come as sure as the sun will rise and set daily.
I have heard it said that “if you want to talk to God read His word. If you want to hear His voice read it aloud.” A conversation with God should become as natural as breathing. Let us not wait until the troubles of life have beaten us down before talking to God. Our Father is waiting on us to come to Him. He sees it all…especially when we are overwhelmed. When our soul becomes downcast, we must seek God’s word with an assurance that He is waiting for us to do just that.
There is no greater feeling than finding the verse in the Bible that seems to fit perfectly with my circumstance. I am always amazed by the discovery of the many treasures in God’s word. During my most difficult struggles those verses are a light to my path. I find it easier to recall the verse if I read over it several times and write it down. The pleasant surprise of the verse that you have memorized and hidden in your heart will comfort you at just the right time!