By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Because our home is nestled in the woods, my husband and I get to see many of God’s creatures up close and personal. Birds, deer, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels are just a few of the critters we’ve seen. Recently, I watched a cute little squirrel through our front window. He was proactively hiding nuts around our yard. I’ve always wondered how squirrels remember where they have hidden them later on. I guessed it was just another one of God’s mysteries.
As I write this devotion, winter is in full bloom in Indiana. Just the other day, the area was pummeled by a snow storm dropping nearly a foot of snow. I thought to myself, that poor little squirrel will have a hard time locating his hidden cache underneath all that snow.
Compassionate curiosity got the best of me, so I did a little research to learn how squirrels locate their food stash in the winter. According to a site called Skedaddle, here’s what I found:
“Since food is limited during the winter for squirrels, the creatures rely on their hidden stashes to feed them throughout the season. In the past, researchers believed that squirrels buried their food at random and used their powerful sense of smell to locate the stashes. However, new research has shown that theory to be partially true. They can smell nuts buried under dirt and snow, but it’s their memory that helps them locate their multiple hiding places. Scientists believe that they use landmarks like trees and buildings to remember where they hide nuts. When they return to an area they recognize, they inspect it with their noses to pinpoint the stash location.”
Squirrels not only have a great sense of smell, they have great memory as well, one that enables them to locate previously hidden food.
Once again, the Lord provided a spiritual lesson through His magnificent creation. He reminded me that everyone faces times of scarcity, heartache, trials, and challenges. Our ability to effectively navigate troubling times largely depends on whether we have adequately stored away enough food for the soul through an ongoing practice of disciplined scripture memorization.
Scripture memorization is not just a mindless spiritual practice or something to tick off the box. It’s a life-saving measure. Tucking God’s Word into our hearts and minds each day has a practical purpose. When we are facing tough times, the Holy Spirit will bring those previously memorized scriptures to mind when we need them most.
Jesus warned us in His Word that in this world we will have trouble. Not might. Not maybe. We will. Whether we face wars or rumors of wars, wildfires, natural disasters, sickness, pain, suffering, or broken relationships, the Lord has lifegiving words to carry us through.
Like diligent and proactive squirrels, let’s prepare now for what the world throws at us later. Below are a few verses that have been food for my soul during times of spiritual famine:
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
“Though they plot evil against you
and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.
You will make them turn their backs
when you aim at them with drawn bow.
Be exalted in your strength, Lord;
we will sing and praise your might” (Psalm 21:11-13).
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books: Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit ***
