I have a really big purse. Some might call it a tote bag, actually. But I’m carrying it around with me all the time anyway. And I love it {you can see it in this picture}.
The only time it drives me nuts is when I need to find something in it. And, poor purse, through no fault of its own that can be a daunting task. You see, I throw everything in there. Wallet, lipstick, papers, wrappers, pens, notebooks. When it gets too heavy, I take something out. Great strategy, right?
So locating what I want is like a grab bag game. I reach in there and fumble around until “Ta-Da!”
I’ve noticed I treat truth much the same way. I toss things into my heart–Scriptures, sermon notes, quotes from books, advice from friends. Then a tough moment comes and I find myself asking, “Now where is that?” By the time I remember what I’m after the moment has often passed. Or I have already done something crazy. Maybe you too?
God tells us to hide the Word in our hearts. I just need to do a better job of hiding it where I can actually find it.
One way I’m starting to do so is by keyword searches for specific things I’m struggling with in my life. For example, you can go to a site like Crosswalk or BibleGateway.com. Then go to the search section and type in a word like “strength.” It will pull up all the verses about strength. You can print them, copy and paste them, whatever you want to do. Isn’t that great?
I also have {confession} trouble with keeping a regular quiet time. I’m sure I’m the only one. But you can also sign up on those sites to have daily devos or even Bible passages emailed directly to you. Again, I know exactly where to find that truth–on my iphone every morning while I’m riding the bike in my back room. A little weird but it works for me.
If we were to open up our purses, they’d all be a bit different. They’re a reflection of who we are and whatever wild system just happens to work for us. The same is true of our hearts. We all need truth but the best ways store it vary with each of us. What matters is that, unlike my massive bag, we can get to what we need when we need it.
I’m curious about two things: What helps you hide truth in your heart? And how big is your purse (not very spiritual–but I’d like to know)? 🙂
–Holley
