WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

In recent days, I had an interesting conversation with my daughter Beverly. She had an important seminar coming up and as usual I assured her of my prayers. It was to be the kind of situation where she and three others would appear together by computer where other agencies of like business could write in their questions to be asked of any of the four young women participating. Beverly knew some folks who would be submitting questions that caused her concern because of some past experiences. She mentioned to me that a sentence from Scripture had come to her...”Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” She had found great encouragement in that, but I ask you...”Where did that come from?”

I smiled to myself because while a social worker I was faced with a lot of negative confrontations with state workers, in our agency and with foster parents. There were times I didn't want to face a day knowing what was coming. That sentence from Psalm 23 that Beverly mentioned was one that had “come” to me several years ago and she and I had never discussed it. Many a time, I remember a quick prayer I would voice saying, “Well dear Lord, it's time for You to set the table.”

Perhaps you like me have had those moments when suddenly, a Bible verse or phrase from one suddenly came to mind as if out of nowhere. I can guarantee for the believer that such is never an accident or something you yourself come up with. This happens so often with me. The appearing verse may seem to have little meaning in the moment, but may come to me in preparation for a situation I didn't see coming. The Holy Spirit sees ahead of us. He lives in every believer and knows what we need from His own Word.

You could probably remember verses that have spoken to your heart on occasions seemingly out of nowhere. You may have even wondered “Where did that come from?” Some phrases that have “come to me” at various times of need are:

*”I will never leave or forsake you.”
*”I hold you in the palm of My hand.”
*”For with God, nothing is impossible.”
*”I will guide you with My eye.”
*”Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
*”Rejoice in the Lord.”

Here's my concern for all of us. Those things the Spirit has swished through my mind often in an unexpected moment are things from the Word I have already read, studied in depth, heard in a sermon or perhaps from the encouragement of others. All of that stores up in our minds. The Holy Spirit then has a lot to remind us of from His Word that we have already accumulated in recesses of our minds. He can impress us in any way He wants, but our being in the Scriptures gives us ongoing inspiration for any day.

When these moments of inspiration come to us, our response shouldn't be “Where did that come from.” As believers we should recognize the Source, pause and express our gratitude with praise and thanksgiving. What an honor and blessing that we should be recipients of such precious, loving attention from God Himself.

Thank You Father for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit Who ministers to us through it. Help us to respond as we should to the prompting of Your Spirit and walk in obedience to all we read in Your Word. We praise You for all You have done through Your Son, Jesus in saving us for eternity. It's in His name we pray...Amen