Something for the soul

Your Word I have hidden in my heart. — Psalm 119:11

Filled to the brim with inspiring anecdotes and stories, the books in the series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, quickly became bestsellers. It’s no wonder. A title that includes “chicken soup” brings back memories of childhood, stuffed-up noses, and scratchy throats — a time when only a warm blanket and Mom’s steaming chicken and rice soup will bring about relief.

Scientific evidence now indicates that Mom was pretty smart. Chicken soup is beneficial for fighting colds. It’s also one of the foods that people describe as “comfort food.”

When it’s not my body but my heart that is aching, I long for the comfort of God’s Word; soothing words like “[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7); assuring words that nothing can “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).

The Bible — the world’s all-time bestseller — is filled with promises, reminders, challenges, and knowledge of God. When you’re feeling discouraged, try ladling up a big serving of God’s Word. Having a Bible within reach (or better yet, Scripture hidden in your heart) infinitely trumps a bowl of Mom’s chicken soup. It will warm your heart and begin your healing. — Cindy Hess Kasper

God’s Word is the healer, the comfort, the strength,

To fill your heart’s need, giving food for your soul;

Instead of exhausting all sources you find,

O taste the Lord’s goodness for making you whole. — Hess

READ:  Psalm 119:9-16

If you fill your heart with God’s Word, He’ll bring spiritual health to your soul.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Chronicles 23-24

• John 15