Jill Johnson
By JILL JOHNSON
Most refrigerators can tell a story. As I look at mine, I see pictures of grandchildren, awards, drawings from school, vacation photos, excellent test papers, party invitations, and notes reminding us "don't forget."
We generally hang items on our refrigerator that we are proud of, want to save, or things we just want to see often. Honestly, no one puts junk mail or trash on the refrigerator door with a magnet to proudly display it. We always make room on the refrigerator to hang items we treasure.
As I was placing a new magnet from our recent vacation on our refrigerator, I was admiring all the wonderful memories that were hanging there. Quietly God nudged me saying, "You have all these wonderful items hanging on your refrigerator, but what are you hanging on your heart?"
I was immediately aware of the fact that what we "hang" in our hearts can, over time, shape our thoughts, attitudes, and the direction of our days. I have to admit there are days I hang worry and fear in my heart. I can be my own worst enemy in my head. You see, we all hang some things in our hearts, it's just a matter of what we choose to display there.
On those fearful days, I have to remember and hang God's Word in my heart. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my go to verses: "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." We must hang promises of God and His faithfulness in our hearts to drown out the fear and worry.
Another thing I am guilty of hanging in my heart is regret. "I wish I had done this, or said something different." I think we have all been there. The definition of regret is a feeling of sadness, pain, or unhappiness that can arise from past events that are now seen as mistakes, misfortunes, or sin. The Bible is full of stories of people who made mistakes. We all do.
The good news we can hang in our heart when we are feeling regret is that with God, there is hope. When we surrender our mistakes and sins to Him, He forgives and frees us from that feeling of regret. 1John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We must hang the promise of God's mercy and forgiveness in our hearts to remind us that God's grace is greater than regret.
One last thing I struggle with hanging in my heart, is insecurity. There are times when I might struggle with comparisons or question if I am enough or accepted. I have to remind myself that God welcomes me, embraces me, and delights in me. I am valuable in God's eyes. I am a child of the One and Only God. 1 John 3:1 says, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God." We must hang the truth that we are accepted and loved by an unshakeable God who is our firm security.
I am reminded that there are times when my refrigerator can become cluttered and crowded, so I have to rearrange and take some things down. The same is true with my heart. God wants me to take down the things that don't belong in my heart, such as fear of failure, needing approval, worrying, old mistakes, and doubting instead of trusting. I need to hang reminders of His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, grace, peace, forgiveness, and unending love in my heart. Just like we hang things we don't want to forget on our refrigerator, let's hang God's truth where we can see it daily, in our lives and on our hearts.
What is hanging in your heart? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," Matthew 6:21.
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
