A Sweet Memory

I was reading in the book of Proverbs this week when, as I began chapter three, a sweet memory warmed me all over. The passage I read was Proverbs 3:1-2, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.” Here is the memory that swept over me: In my teen years, not long after I became a Christian, I asked my Dad if we could study together. He happily agreed. We would open our Bibles at the kitchen table and discuss all sorts of passages. We actually did that for the whole of his life from that moment. Whenever I would come home, we enjoyed time with Bibles open and discussing.

I remember the above passage so well. My Dad encouraged me to remember that all of God’s promises are true and never fail. He urged me to memorize Scripture. He said the living Words of God would come back to me right when I needed them. He said whatever the number of days I had to live on earth, with God’s Word imbedded in my heart, I would be filled with abiding peace no matter any difficult situation, and would be stronger in my quest to be obedient to His direction that is always without mistake. He said in following God’s Word I would always have blessings surround me.

Five decades have passed since my Dad and I first looked at Proverbs 3:1-2. In all that time I have known the wisdom of my earthly father, and the Words of my Heavenly Father to be absolutely true. Like so many of you reading, I have known grief, I have had abundance of things and I have had very little, I have known betrayal, I have known danger to my life, I have known pleasure and I have known disappointment, I have had so many good times, and I have had times I would rather forget, but in all these things, I testify absolutely, positively, no doubt about it, the Holy Spirit whispering God’s Word into my heart has been my strength, my joy, and my peace. It drives me on when I feel weak. It lifts me up when I feel down. My Heavenly Father’s Word never fails me.

Yes, what sweet memory came to me this week. May you also know the joy and comfort of God’s Living Words strengthening you in your own walk thru life. The sheer delight in doing so is out of this world.