I am in a new season, one called the empty nest; but, oh do I remember back in the day when I had three little ones at home. One of the ministries, I currently serve at our local church is a young mom’s Bible study. And one of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “How do I spend time with God when my time is not my own?”
The demands of motherhood are all-consuming. So many things feel like you feel like your life is on hold. It is hard to read the Bible, be involved, be the wife and mom you need to be. But Tricia Lott Williford, in her book, This Book Is for You, gleans wisdom from a friend and fellow mom, Catherine McNiel. “In her book, Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline, Catherine wrote, ‘No one tries to exclude mothers from the “Spiritual life,” but it happens regardless. I hear laments rising up in hearts of mothers, mourning the losses that this season of nurturing unexpectedly brings: the impossibility of pursuing something soul creative, something life-giving. There’s no time, space, energy, or money. We think we’ll just have to wait until the children are older. Right now, I just can’t.’”
Have you ever been there, my friend? You just couldn’t give one more moment to something else? Are you exhausted and feel overwhelmed? Tricia shares with us the idea of the 3X5 card. She encourages us that we can fall in love with the Bible in our actual life for ourselves.
Scripture memory can seem daunting but what if you or I were to take just a few verses and write them on a card? Here are a few verses that Tricia has on cards: Acts 4:12; Jeremiah 29:13; Psalms 31:14-16; Lamentation 3:57; Colossians 1:11. You can look at these verses while you sit at a traffic light. You can read one to start the day. Whenever you have a free moment, you can begin to hide HIS word in your heart. These verses are sown and recalled at just the right time. They give perspective in our time of need.
Friend, God’s word is alive and active. In Hebrews 4: 12 NIV, we read, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates, even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” So, let’s follow Tricia’s lead. Let’s consider trying this little daily tip to start hiding His word in our hearts. His word works to teach, rebuke, correct and train us to righteousness. This small act gives us strength when reading the Bible is just not possible. And in times of trouble, we have His word hidden in our hearts to propel us forward in faith and trust. Why not give it a try, friend. You might just find glorious power and beauty in a 3X5 card.
— Sue M. Lindsey © August 2021