I began this season of Christmas watching every Christmas movie I could get my hands on. Old favorites, old movies, new Hallmark, etc. I even watched a cartoon of the Christmas Carol. Here’s what I find as I watch these movies, I begin thinking, I need to do these things to have a happy Christmas. This isn’t an actual statement I make, I just notice that all of a sudden I’m recommending to the family activities like making cookies. GO see the lights. etc. I’m starting to make comparisons.
Nothing against Christmas movies, but I am realizing something about myself. I begin to think that there is a formula to being content. I mean, I see it on TV. Again, truly, I’m not saying this out loud, I’m just seeing my behavior react to the movie.
In Ellie Holcomb’s book, “Fighting Words”, she reminds me of a formula (not really) that begins in Matthew 4. Jesus is tempted in the wilderness. His response guides me. He throws Scripture back to combat the lies of the evil one.
He begins in Matthew 4:4, “It is written, Man must not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” HCSB. He continues with verses in Psalm 91, Deuteronomy (3 quotes). For every temptation, Jesus had a response that was directly from the mouth of God.
Oh, heart take note.
Verses call out to me. I can even google: verses for comfort. Verses when I am scared. Verses when I’m in pain…etc. Somehow I also find myself in Lamentations 3.
Yet I call this to mind and therefore have hope. Lamentations 3:21 HCSB
Why can I have hope?
Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry o the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4
Here’s the key for me. Jesus knew these verses and was able to repeat. I’m not great at memorizing, but I do have verses that come to me. So, here’s my reminder to myself.
even if I can’t memorize well, I can write on post-its the verses to remind me and bring my mind to the truth. It’s very easy for my brain to snowball and become overwhelmed.
Cara, what is the truth? Where are you? Read. Read the word that fights on my behalf.
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