NOVEMBER 6, Psalm 1:2

Mary took the pill her mother handed her. “Do I still have to take this medicine?” asked Mary with a frown. “My throat isn’t hurting anymore.” “That’s good, but Dr. Han said to be sure to take all of those antibiotic pills,” replied Mom. “He said if you quit too soon, you might have a relapse and your throat would be sore again.”

That afternoon, Mary stubbed her toe. “Ouch!” she exclaimed loudly. Then some nasty words slipped out of her mouth.

“Mary!” exclaimed Mom. “I’m disappointed! I thought you had overcome your… tongue problem. Have you forgotten the Bible verse you were going to recite to yourself whenever you were tempted to say nasty words?”

Mary looked ashamed. “Psalm 19:14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer,” she murmured. She sighed. “I know the verse, but I don’t say it much anymore,” she admitted. “I used to say it over and over in my mind, but lately I haven’t needed it or so I thought.”

Mom shook her head. “Looks like you quit taking your ‘antibiotic’ too soon,” she said. “My pills?” asked Mary.

“I didn’t mean your pills. I meant your Scripture verse. It’s something like spiritual antibiotic,” said Mom. “Your throat feels better, but you still need to take the antibiotic to fight against germs that remain there. In a similar way, you’ve gotten much better in controlling your tongue, but you still need to rely on the Word of God to help you fight against your habit of using bad language.”

Mary nodded slowly. “I need to use my Bible verse to keep from having a relapse, right?” she asked. “That’s right,” agreed Mom. “One or more doses of Scripture a day can help you fight against any temptation. Of course, just reciting the verse doesn’t magically keep you from using nasty words. You need to really think about what God says. As you become more and more familiar with His Word, you’d develop a desire to live for the Lord and overcome temptation.”

Thought: Do you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to read and memorise more of the Bible so I may stand strong against temptation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.