When I first started to read the Bible I was absolutely amazed at how easy it was to understand it. I didn’t need anyone to explain it to me. Sure, there were some passages for which I needed some clarification; and I definitely needed help in putting the Scriptures into practice (that’s one of the roles of the church). But I could understand it all by myself.
I was so amazed and impressed by the Word of God, I even made a scrapbook with inspiring images that I had cut out of magazines, which I paired to corresponding Scriptures. Twenty years later, I haven’t stopped being inspired. I may have to dig deeper to get there, but often the Scriptures come to my conscience, perfectly memorised after all these years, to bring me guidance or comfort at the right time. I thought I would share just a very few with you here.
Scriptures that talk about God’s “humanity” – that give him depth and personality – that make him seem more real and approachable.
Hear and pay attention,
do not be arrogant,
for the Lord has spoken.
Give glory to the Lord your God
before he brings the darkness,
before your feet stumble
on the darkening hills.
You hope for light,
but he will turn it to utter darkness
and change it to deep gloom.
If you do not listen,
I will weep in secret
because of your pride;
my eyes will weep bitterly,
overflowing with tears,
because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.
(Jeremiah 13:15-17)
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realise
it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.
(Hosea 11:3-4)
A Scripture that brings Comfort when I am overwhelmed and afraid.
A Scripture that gives me Strength and fierce determination to never give up:
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)
A Scripture that brings me Courage when things seem bleak:
Scriptures where my encouragement comes directly from Jesus:
Scriptures that remind me of God’s kindness to me:
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
the Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbour his anger for ever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
(Psalm 103:2-5 and 8-12)
And believe me, at age 44, I often hold on to the promise that God will renew my youth like an eagle!
A Scripture that reminds me I count. I matter. I am worth something.
On the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to make you clean, nor were you rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths. No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.
‘“Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, ‘Live!’ I made you grow like a plant of the field. You grew and developed and entered puberty. Your breasts had formed and your hair had grown, yet you were stark naked.
‘“Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.‘“I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put sandals of fine leather on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments. I adorned you with jewellery: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace round your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. So you were adorned with gold and silver; your clothes were of fine linen and costly fabric and embroidered cloth. Your food was honey, olive oil and the finest flour. You became very beautiful and rose to be a queen. And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendour I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign Lord. (Ezekiel 16:4-14)
These are just a few – just a very few Scriptures that I meditate on until the day dawns and the morning star rises in my heart. If you read the Bible, what are your go-to Scriptures?
If you don’t read, or have only just started, which of these (if any) stir your heart?
“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.” Isiah 41:10
This is what helped me survive my Dad’s passing.
Jennifer recently posted…Out of Chaos, Comes Order
Oh yes – that’s a good one. “Do not be dismayed” is so powerful.
ladyjennie recently posted…Go-To Scriptures
I grew up with The King James Version of the Bible, so it took me until my late twenties (along with a different translation) to really understand and be inspired by God’s word.
My first beloved scripture was Psalm 125:1 – Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Also, Psalm 23. Just because.
Andrea recently posted…The Wall
We had a King James version, but we also had the NIV. But the truth is, I just never read any of it.
ladyjennie recently posted…Go-To Scriptures
Oh, this is so timely. I just made up a two-sided list of attributes of God and then a Scripture to accompany it. When I need to be reminded that he (C)ares, I can quote 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you.” When I need to be reminded that God has all the (S)trength I can quote Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am glad.”
It’s amazing how those 26 attributes help me when I do not trust, or fear or forget how great God is.
Welcome Laura! 🙂
I have done that too, but not in a long time. What a great reminder to have this resource handy. And it’s true – scriptures are very nourishing.
ladyjennie recently posted…Go-To Scriptures
I never thought about what my go to verse(s) would be but I have a tab always open to the one that you shared with me… Philippians 1:3-11 and on my desk I have written on a sticky note Romans 8:38-39 because it stuck with me one day when I read it.
Jackie recently posted…A Lady in France: A Review
I think those come with time, Jackie. A particular Scripture will strike you in a strong way at just the right time and it becomes a go-to scripture – the way Romans 8 did with you! 🙂
ladyjennie recently posted…Go-To Scriptures
The one I use constantly: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
I totally pinned this, Jennie. I like having all these wonderful verses in one place for when I need them. Thank you for writing this.
Katie recently posted…Old School Valentine
Mwah, my friend! 🙂