How to Recall God’s Truths at a Moment’s Notice

We’ve all been there. In “that situation” which leaves our head hanging a bit low and takes the spring out of our step. It’s when a co-worker whispers unkind words. Or when a dear friend’s advice stings a bit. It’s when that promotion goes to someone else. Or when a child or spouse speaks cross words that deflate our spirit.

Often times, my first reaction is just that… a reaction. An emotional response that does nothing to soothe my soul, or encourage me to respond with love and grace. These reactions can tangle up my thoughts and threaten to harm my worth and identity. And if I don’t take “that situation” to the truth-giver early on, I can find myself spiraling down to the basement of my heart, to hang out with the other lies spoken into my life.

When the untruths speak too loudly, I need a quick fix–a remedy that is guaranteed to drown out the lies and quiet my heart. It’s a spiral bound deck of 3×5 cards where verses that have spoken to me in various situations are captured. I call it my Spiral Bible. While I can’t take credit for this ingenious idea, I can confirm it’s a great one.

Here’s how to create your own. It’s simple and fast.

1. Grab yourself a spiral bound 3×5 index card deck at any office supply store.
2. When “that situation” happens, do a topical search in a Bible app or Bible index. Example: Let’s say “that situation” left me feeling worried. I search “worry” and find all the verses with “worry” in it. Read through the verses from your search. You will find one or two that God will use to speak to you about “that situation.”
3. Write the verse on one of the cards plus any personal note or prayer. (I add hashtags # at the top of my entries so I can easily find that subject again.)

Now, when “that situation” happens, you will be armed with plenty of truths! Truths right at your fingertips. Truths you can pray over yourself in one moment.

My Spiral Bible restrains me from reacting emotionally and keeps me from spiraling away from His truths. It puts me in a proactive posture so I can redefine my thinking and respond appropriately. And bonus… it helps me memorize verses! I’m so not good at that.

God promises that in our weakness, His power shows up (2 Corinthians 12:9a). So it helps to have His whispers readily available to take on the world’s lies. Speak God’s truth over yourself; multiple times. His are the real truths about who you are, and will keep you on the journey He planned just for you.

Ponder:
What is your “that situation” that can jostle your joy? Do you have any favorite verses that pick you up? Please share them in the comments below so others might be encouraged on their journey. And let me know if you have a Spiral Bible or if you plan to create one!

Practice:
A Truth:

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (Ephesians 6:14)

Prayer:
Oh, Lord, thank you that I can carry your words of truth with me everywhere. Let me place your voice, and who you tell me I am, above any negative voices that speak into my life today. Help me to let your truths wash over me in troubled times so that I don’t spiral out of control. Place others around me who will encourage me to chase hard after your voice until my soul is soothed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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