In less than a week it will officially be summer. Where I live, some of the activities slow down in summer, and I think in many places that is the case. So if you miss a schedule and need some support through the summer, why not think about Truth Cards?

On the last lesson of a women’s Bible study I teach, I shared about Truth Cards and how the practice helps me. I suggested the ladies consider making a set of Truth Cards this summer and make a project out of it.

It was 20 plus years ago when God, through His precious Holy Spirit got my attention to address anxiety in my life. I sensed Him saying, “If you’re going on with me, you need to address this!”

At about the same time, I was working a Bible study and was intruduced to scripture memory using 3×5 spiral index cards. Additionally, I had started reading Loving God with All Your Mind By Elizabeth George. The book is based on Philippians 4:8. God was pushing me toward a change.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

The Lord guided me to get some 3×5 cards.

The first Truth statements I put on the cards were from the Bible study and the book, and many Bible verses too.

Then, I began reading the cards every day. The contrast was striking. Peace came, and it was easier to see the difference between how I used to think and how God’s Spirit was working transformation. This practice did not replace my daily quiet time of prayer and Bible reading. It served as an additional, focused spiritual discipline.

Practically speaking, the Truth Cards went along with me throughout the day. I would read my truth cards in waiting rooms, at stop lights, while cooking, in bed at night, just anytime. What makes Truth cards different from daily Bible reading is that the cards target a particular topic that you need extra concentration on to conquer. You are training your mind to think and believe truth.

So what do you put on the cards?

Statements might come from a devotional, a christian podcast, a Bible study, lyrics to worship music or a hymn, a sermon, or write your name in a scripture (example below).

The card below is from one of the two books I was reading. Although they are not scripture, they are Christ-honoring truths written from the books.

You could use the set of cards for any overwhelming issue, from something you need to display more self-control over, like yelling, exercising, driving too fast, racing thoughts, trip anxiety, social anxiety, etc. Or maybe you want to conquer a fear. Be specific in gathering verses about topics. I’ll give you an example of a fear. All the statements could be put on one card or, with supporting scripture, several cards.

For example: Fear of Flying

I can fly on a plane without fear – (this is a true statement, but it is not scripture).

The plane will stay in the air. ( Along with this statement, you could gather verses about Jesus being before all things, or He holds all things together. The Bible Treasure Hunt will benefit your mind too). Speaking of a Bible Treasure Hunt, here’s a link to many Bible promises:https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/05/05/

There are people on the plane who will help me if I need it.

The Lord is going with me on the trip. (You could write a couple of scriptures under this statement).

There are activities to do while I fly until I land safely at my destination.

I am loved by God, and I know Him through Jesus His Son(add verses for this truth statement).

I am not alone, The triune God is with me and I can talk to Him.

Whatever you want your cards to say is up to you, as long as it is full of Christ honoring truth. The goal is you are telling your mind what to think. You want your mind to think like Philippians 4:8.

At first, when you are intentional like this, it will feel different to steward your mind. But the quick results will spur you on to continue. The goal is to get out of your default mode and get a focused, healed, and Spirit-filled mind instead of a tired, neglected mind full of damaging lies.

The main thing is to keep each card specific to what you are dealing with. Avoid worldly wisdom like, “ You got this” or “You must gather your own sunshine.”

Why do this?

•  You will possess a tool that helps calm your mind and serve as a healing source because your thoughts will change. 
• Your anxiety and fear, whether generalized or based on a specific idea will become significantly less. 
• It’s one of the simplest activities you’ll ever do that profoundly affects your heart, soul, mind, and spirit. 
• Keeping Philippians 4:8 as the theme brings that familiar verse to life for you and is crucial to success. 
• The Lord will honor your effort to honor Him with His Word and other Christ-honoring truths.
• It is a way to dedicate your heart, mind, soul, and spirit to transformation and walking in that obedience is fulfilling.
• You spiritual eyes will see clearer and you will sense the Lord’s presence in your life as you draw near to Him with intentionality.

You will enjoy the intentionality of Truth Cards. The effort puts you in control of your thoughts and you will notice your mood and emotions stabalize. Definitely leave room for cards with Bible verses about your identity in Christ.

HOW TO CREATE TRUTH CARDS:

• Buy the index cards.

• Dedicate the cards to the Lord and ask Him to show you what to write in them.

• Remember you will gather truth over time. At first you may fill up many cards. But as you continue, the Holy Spirit will prompt you when you hear a Christian song, or read a statement that resonates. Every truth card doesn’t have to be written at the beginning. To be aware of looking for more truth for your cards is purposeful.

• Use your own hand writing. Your handwriting makes the cards personal to you and seeing your own writing lets you know that you are taking ownership of your mind.

I hope you ponder the idea of Truth Cards and use the beginning of summer 2024 to start a new habit that will transform your mind and give more peace. Please share my post to help others.

Have fun with this scripture project. It is another of many Winning Ways to Follow Jesus~

©Valerie Rumfelt

Here’s one more book recommendation where many truth statements were extracted for my Truth Cards – Me, Myself, and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover by Jennifer Rothchild~