Locker Trouble

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:1-9

For what seemed like the fiftieth time, Mike twirled the dial on his locker and silently prayed it would work. He glanced around nervously, hoping nobody noticed how long he’d been trying to get the locker open. This is a lousy way to start middle school, he thought, his stomach tightening into an anxious knot. He sighed and tried the numbers again, but nothing happened. In frustration, he tugged the handle harder. He was startled when someone behind him spoke.

“What’s wrong, Mike?” It was Spencer, a friend who was a grade ahead of him.

Mike leaned against the locker. “This thing won’t open.”

“Let me try,” offered Spencer.

As Mike told him the numbers, Spencer flipped the dial this way and that. When he pulled on the handle, the door opened!

“How’d you do that?” Mike was astonished. “It wouldn’t work for me!”

“Try it again, and I’ll watch you,” said Spencer. So Mike began turning the knob. “Whoa,” said Spencer. “You have to go past that number and stop at it on the second time around.” Spencer took the knob and demonstrated for Mike.

“Oh, right!” Mike shook his head. “I forgot about that.”

Spencer laughed. “It’s just like Pastor Burt said last Sunday. Remember?”

“You mean…in church?” Mike asked.

Spencer nodded. “You memorized your locker combination, but those numbers didn’t do you any good because you didn’t know how to use them. And memorizing Bible verses doesn’t do us any good either if we don’t use them. Just being able to recite a verse isn’t enough—we need to know what it means and apply it to our lives.”

Mike tried the lock one more time, and it opened right away. “All right! Thanks, Spencer!” he said. “And thanks for the reminder about Bible verses too,” he added as he took out his book for his first class. “I know just the one I need to apply to my life right now.”

Spencer gave him a thumbs-up, and Mike took a deep breath as he walked toward his classroom. “Be strong and courageous,” he recited under his breath. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” • Kelly M. Schaefer

How About You?

Do you understand the meaning of Bible verses you have learned? Can you use them in your daily life? Think of one you can recite. Is it a verse that could comfort you in a difficult time? Warn you away from sin? Remind you of God’s unfailing love? If you don’t understand it, get help from a parent or teacher. Keep memorizing God’s Word and applying His truth to your life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 119:27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Memorize and use God’s Word