“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” – Psalm 16:8 (NLT)
Back in November 2015, I had the opportunity to attend the “Holy Walk” in Bruce Mines, Ontario. It was a cold dark evening, as my friends and I arrived. There was snow on the ground. I shivered with anticipation at what I was going to see and experience that night. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful experiences that I have ever encountered.
I’m an extremely visual person. As I read a book, I picture what the characters look like. If I am having a rough day, I talk to Jesus. I picture Him at my dining room table, with a red and white checkered cloth. He on one side, and I on the other, with His hands folded on top, while I talk and He listens. As I read scripture it helps me to visualize what I am reading. “Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.’” – Isaiah 1:18 (NLT) This scripture is very visual and descriptive. It paints a picture.
The “ Holy Walk” visually told the Christmas story. We walked through the woods, snowy and cold. We encountered live sheep, Roman soldiers, people selling their wares in the market, and wise men. Then there was Jesus in the manger. I remember standing in awe that night, at what I was seeing. It made everything more real. I’ve read about the birth of Jesus many times, but when I saw the reenactment up close, I choked up, as if there was a large lump in my throat. I felt grateful and honored to have witnessed such an experience.
Through the years, as I studied and grew in His Word, I have learned that I remember things better when I picture what the scriptures are saying. For me, it’s a great study tool. When I imagine a scene out of the Bible it gives me a feeling of clarity and peacefulness. King David said this in Acts 2:25 (NLT) “I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” He too visualized. When you can see what you’re reading, it encourages remembrance and leads to a greater understanding of His Word.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of imagination. Imagination is the production of sensations, feelings, and thoughts informing oneself. Creating vivid memories of scripture helps to encourage studying and memorization. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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