Faith That Grows in Every SeasonSample

STORE IT AWAY:

One fall morning, I was watching a squirrel through our front window proactively hiding nuts around our yard. I've always wondered how squirrels remember where they have hidden their cache.

Months later, after a storm dropped nearly a foot of snow, I saw a bushy-tailed squirrel bounding across our white covered yard. I wondered how the little guy could possibly locate his hidden stockpile underneath all that snow.

I did a little research, and here is what I learned:

Squirrels can smell their nuts beneath the layers of dirt and snow, but they also rely on memory to locate their multiple hiding places. Scientists believe squirrels use landmarks like trees and buildings to remember where they have hidden nuts. When they return to an area that they recognize, their sense of smell helps them pinpoint the exact stash location.

Once again, the Lord provides a spiritual lesson through His magnificent creation. Everyone faces times of scarcity, heartache, trials, and challenges. But our ability to effectively navigate troubling times largely depends on whether we have adequately stored away enough food for the soul.

Scripture memorization is not just a mindless spiritual practice or something to tick off the box. It’s a life-saving measure. Tucking God's Word into our hearts and minds each day has a practical purpose. When we are facing challenging seasons, the Holy Spirit brings previously memorized scriptures to mind when we need them most.

Jesus warned us that in this world, we will have trouble. Not might or maybe, we will have trouble. Whether we face wars or rumors of wars, wildfires or other natural disasters, sickness, pain, suffering, or broken relationships, the Lord has already provided us lifegiving words to carry us through.

Several years ago, I started a practice of writing down scriptures that I want to remember into spiral index card booklets. Every morning, I pull out one of these booklets and read them. A funny thing happens when you read something over and over. Eventually, it sticks!

Through this spiritual discipline, God has helped me store away hundreds of verses. And now, when the storms of life come, I have plenty of nourishment to get me through.

What about you? Are you prepared for what’s ahead? Be like those diligent and proactive squirrels. Hide God’s Word in your heart now, so you can retrieve it later, when you need it most. Start with your favorite scriptures first. Then slowly add others that resonate.

REFLECTION:

Have you made scripture memorization a priority along your faith journey? Why or why not?

PRAYER:

Lord, no matter what I face in life, your truth will get me through. Give me the passion and discipline to tuck your Word in my heart so I can bring it to memory when I need it most. Amen.