{"id":24926,"date":"2019-01-26T03:30:42","date_gmt":"2019-01-26T11:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=24926"},"modified":"2019-01-25T14:00:02","modified_gmt":"2019-01-25T22:00:02","slug":"january-26-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2019\/01\/26\/january-26-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"January 26, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\u201cYour Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Psalm 119:11<\/p>\n

Muscle Memory<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Back in the 1960\u2019s, when I was a kid taking piano lessons, I well remember the practice required of me each day. I remember the early finger exercises, and the \u201ccheat sheet\u201d cardstock replica of the keyboard that fit neatly behind the actual keys, (which I was so afraid to practice without). My oft-stern teacher would count out the timing and rhythm until I was able to do it on my own. There were dreaded recitals where I had to wear a fancy new dress, new shoes and lace-trimmed socks, with my hair fixed up in an uncomfortable, unfamiliar way. And oh, how I remember the rewards of my labors\u2014first, small silver stars or gold stars, then bigger versions of each, placed at the top of the music as I progressed; then, as I passed various milestones that only the teacher seemed aware of, I was ceremoniously given little plaster-cast busts of famous musicians. How proud I was each time I brought home the rewards!<\/p>\n

I stopped lessons after a year or two, but piano-playing became a passion in which I voluntarily engaged daily. I found that long, difficult pieces could be memorized without any effort by simple repetition. The challenging sections of the music would be meticulously, slowly worked through again and again, until they were no more demanding than any other part. Eventually, without purposely trying, I found that even 40-page pieces were somehow embedded in my muscles, and they came forth no matter where I happened to\u00a0 be playing.<\/p>\n

I have found this true of spiritual things as well. Simple repetition has been a sure way to memorize Scripture. After many years of daily reading the Word, with regular Bible study and church attendance, the Word of God is embedded. When times are tough, when I am sick, afraid, or hurting, or sorrowful or doubing, the muscle memory\u2014the Word of God hidden in my heart\u2014is right there. It is buried deeply; it is my creed, my purpose, my path, my light. The words come easily when I need them (thank You, Holy Spirit.) My heart returns to it when I struggle. I have a ready word when someone needs counsel or comfort or friendship.<\/p>\n

Muscle memory is a result of long practice. May I encourage you to make it a habit\u00a0<\/strong>to do what is right (obedience to God), until it is a natural response. Tell the truth. Live with integrity. Be trustworthy. Listen to people. Be kind. Give of yourself. Love well. Allow God His rightful preeminence in your life by giving Him and His Word priority and undivided attention\u2014and be awed by the God-created muscle memory that kicks in when you most need it.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, by Your Holy Spirit, help us remember Your Word. May it be alive in us. In Jesus\u2019 Name, Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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