His Presence As I Fill My Heart and Mind with His Word
Have you ever been reading along in the Bible and suddenly you come across something you never noticed before – as if God Himself just dropped a few more words into the text?
I hope you realize those may just be moments that the presence of God’s Holy Spirit is trying to get your attention.
I had that happen when I came across a different translation of Psalm 119:5: Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your principles! I pondered on that verse for a bit – maybe more than a bit. I thought about how David, like me, must have struggled with being a consistent reflection of God’s ways. God seemed to want me to know that I’m not alone in wanting to live for Him and yet not always being consistent. And then… I realized I needed to memorize that verse and make it my morning prayer!
Or have you been in a certain situation when someone asks you a faith question, and before you have time to put together your own words, Scripture that you memorized long ago comes rolling off your tongue? (And no one is more surprised than you at how quickly that came out!) Again, that just might be the presence of the Holy Spirit in you bringing to your remembrance exactly what was needed in that moment.
However, David Jeremiah cautions us that The Holy Spirit can’t remind you of something you never read which is why it’s important to memorize scripture. When you have Bible verses inscribed in your mind, you’re carrying a concealed weapon to use against the enemy in battle.
So, if we want to experience the presence of God’s Holy Spirit as we are in His Word, and if we want to experience His presence bringing to mind His Word, we need to carry that “concealed weapon” (God’s Word) in our hearts and minds so the Holy Spirit will have something to remind us of when those trials come.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11)
By Judy Shrout
I hope you realize those may just be moments that the presence of God’s Holy Spirit is trying to get your attention.
I had that happen when I came across a different translation of Psalm 119:5: Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your principles! I pondered on that verse for a bit – maybe more than a bit. I thought about how David, like me, must have struggled with being a consistent reflection of God’s ways. God seemed to want me to know that I’m not alone in wanting to live for Him and yet not always being consistent. And then… I realized I needed to memorize that verse and make it my morning prayer!
Or have you been in a certain situation when someone asks you a faith question, and before you have time to put together your own words, Scripture that you memorized long ago comes rolling off your tongue? (And no one is more surprised than you at how quickly that came out!) Again, that just might be the presence of the Holy Spirit in you bringing to your remembrance exactly what was needed in that moment.
However, David Jeremiah cautions us that The Holy Spirit can’t remind you of something you never read which is why it’s important to memorize scripture. When you have Bible verses inscribed in your mind, you’re carrying a concealed weapon to use against the enemy in battle.
So, if we want to experience the presence of God’s Holy Spirit as we are in His Word, and if we want to experience His presence bringing to mind His Word, we need to carry that “concealed weapon” (God’s Word) in our hearts and minds so the Holy Spirit will have something to remind us of when those trials come.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:11)
By Judy Shrout
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