Hidden Food

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:92-103; John 6:35

Jason watched as a chipmunk in the bird feeder stuffed sunflower seeds into his cheeks. Then he climbed down the post and dashed away. Moments later he returned with his mouth empty. “How could he have eaten so much so quickly?” Jason asked his dad.

“He’s not eating the food. He’s storing it in his burrow for winter,” Dad explained. “The burrow he dug has many chambers where food can be stored. His underground home also has a bathroom and an area for sleeping.”

“Wow,” said Jason. “He thought of everything! I’d like to find out where his home is.”

The next time the chipmunk left the bird feeder, Jason watched closely. The striped bundle bounded through the grass and disappeared under a lilac bush. It took some looking, but at last Jason found the entrance to the chipmunk’s home.

Over the next few weeks, the chipmunk added to his pantry. Then a snowstorm came, and the chipmunk stayed in his den.

“At least he has plenty to eat,” said Jason. “I bet he has a bushel of food hidden down there.”

“I hope we have just as much hidden away,” said Dad.

“Why would we need to hide our food?” asked Jason. “We don’t have to worry about someone stealing it, do we?”

Dad laughed. “The food I’m talking about isn’t the kind you put in your mouth. It’s the kind you store in your heart. What’s hidden there, no one can take away.”

Jason’s eyebrows wrinkled in thought. “Are you talking about the Bible?”

Dad nodded. “God’s Word is the spiritual food we need to store in our hearts. It tells us about the bread of life—Jesus, who feeds our hungry souls with His love and grace. It reminds us that we belong to Him and encourages us to turn away from sin and trust God in every situation. When we read it and treasure what it says about God’s love and promises, we store its truth in our hearts.”

Jason smiled. “Our teacher at church is helping us learn more about the Bible this year.”

“That’s wonderful!” said Dad. “Keep it up and you’ll be like that chipmunk, prepared for anything.” • David J. Belleau

How About You?

Are you storing God’s Word in your heart? The Bible offers us spiritual food that nourishes our faith. It tells us what Jesus did to save us and reminds us of His love and forgiveness. It teaches us to resist sin and make good decisions that show others we follow Jesus. Get to know Jesus by reading His Word. Store His truth in your heart. Then like the chipmunk, you’ll be well fed and ready for life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Store God’s Word in your heart