Squeezing Sponges

I have decided to embark on a quest to “mentally absorb the Bible”. This is one of the phrases Norman Vincent Peale uses in his book The Power of Positive Thinking. I love how powerful these words are. He doesn’t tell us to memorize the Bible, but suggests instead for us to “mentally absorb” it.

This word picture reminds me of a dry sponge soaking up liquid. A sponge absorbs and embraces the liquid in its midst. Even when squeezed, the sponge doesn’t completely let go of all it has held. I want to be sponge-like in assimilating the Life Giving words of God, hanging on to a little bit even when life squeezes hard.

The verse I have begun with is this:

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me –
Philippians 4:13

 In his book, Dr. Peale tells of a time when he encouraged a man who needed to believe in himself with the very verse above. He had the man write this verse on a card and, with an attitude of faith, recite the words several times on his way home, once in bed for the night, before rising for the day and three additional times while getting ready for an important appointment he had coming up the next day.  It is said that the man had a very successful meeting due to believing that Jesus was strengthening him.

I decided to use this same verse last weekend. I desperately needed to gain strength in order to get through a very hectic Easter schedule at church and home. I am so pleased to announce that God did not let me down!

I prayed the verse to God this way: “I can teach preschoolers without pain or exhaustion, through Christ who strengthens me” and “I can enjoy my family and feel great, through Christ who strengthens me” then I recited it the way it is in the Bible, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

If you need extra encouragement in your life, I heartily recommend what I’ve dubbed in my notes as the “Dr. Peale Rx”.

 Be Blessed and Believe in Him!