First Aid Kit

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19 NIV)

The above verse reminded me of a friend, also named Mary, who shared the following lesson with a group of us women:

In an emergency, it helps to have a first aid kit that is accessible, personalized, and updated. You could go buy a general kit from a store, but it may have too many band-aids and not enough medications. Medicines are specific, and a variety of them are essential. Plus, they expire and need to be updated. Making up a well-stocked first aid kit takes some planning and effort, but it can reduce panic, decrease severity of injury, and prevent infection.

Similarly, it helps to have a first aid kit in a spiritual crisis. There are many generalized options like devotionals and inspirational books. However, a customized trove of scripture verses, quotes, and personalized prayers can be worthwhile. When you read something that makes an impact--perhaps a  verse, a prayer from a devotional, one line from a book or a song--copy it down. Paraphrase it and make it your own. If you get a revelation or insight, write it down. Keep a record of answered prayers. Just make sure all of this is in one place and easily accessible. Treasure these words and ponder them in your heart frequently. Know it inside out, so that you can easily find what you need in a crisis. This is a product of your personal journey with God. Next time you are assailed by fear, anxiety, doubt, or lies--go to this resource. Take out the appropriate parts and apply them to your wounded soul. If you think someone else can benefit from a particular passage in your kit, copy it, and send it to them as a gift. This powerful collection of remedies can reduce panic and severity of suffering in a crisis.