Last week I had a panicky situation pop up that took me off guard. Ever found yourself in one of those places?
What’s interesting is that this particular situation caught me on a morning that followed a bad night’s sleep, I hadn’t had time to eat breakfast, I hadn’t had my morning cup of coffee, and my kids were driving me bonkers. Feel my pain?
When this split-second decision needed to be made, it would have been oh so easy for me to make a decision based on my highly irrational, emotional and reactionary state – I was beyond tired, frustrated and frazzled. Except. During one of my quiet times the week before I had felt prompted to memorize Ecclesiastes 10:4 and voila! Smack dab in the middle of my sleep deprived state, words like “don’t panic” and “calm disposition” beautifully danced through my mind to rescue me from making a terribly impulsive decision.
See what God did there?
I was able to make an important split-second decision based on truth rather than emotion because I didn’t have to suddenly search for truth, it was already there, stirring in my thoughts, stewing in my soul and simmering in my heart.
Reading the Bible has nothing to do with how we feel and everything to do discipline. Think Nike – just do it!
Why?
For reasons like this:
“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.” -Chuck Swindoll
“If a ruler loses his temper against you, don’t panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage.” -Ecclesiastes 10:4
