I don’t know to this day where I first heard these. For most of my life I have not called myself a Christian. Somehow I knew to reach for these verses to inspire me when nothing else would get me through illness, divorce, personal tragedy, and many other hard knocks that have made me strong. I know that I have been carried by grace.
Be Still, and Know that I Am God
Psalm 46; 10, NIV
God is tangible, visceral. God is the peace in the deepest silence of my heart when I stop the fearful chatter in my mind. When I am afraid of the future, or am overwhelmed by difficult choices, I know that a Power greater than I will speak calm and truth into me if I will only be still.
And we know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8; 28, NASB
When I worry about anything, I can make it stop by remembering these words. They are not just a promise. My life is the evidence. Out of suffering has come strength, out of illness has come the desire to give hope, out of foolish mistakes and what felt like wreckage has come wisdom and peace. The first half of my life was struggle, and the second half is blessed. If more turmoil besets me, I can remember my own history and trust it to be repeated. I am also comforted that this verse does not say, “for those who are Catholic”, or “for those who are Jewish”, or “for those who are Muslim”. It says, for those who love God. Every person on this earth who yearns for God is my sister or my brother.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy Staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23; 4, NKJV
When I was 19, my father died of cancer. We had five months from diagnosis to his death. Somehow, the 23rd psalm whispered itself unbidden during the darkest moments. In the unbearable emptiness after he died, my family was keening in unbearable grief. Somehow I felt at peace, comforted. When I grieved fully, months later, I knew I was grieving my own loss, not for him. I knew he was fine. Years later, as I struggled through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and more chemotherapy, I remembered that peace, and knew that I would walk through the valley of the shadow and return. When the fear of recurrence would grip me (looking at too many statistics, not a good idea) I would remember. I have been through the valley of the shadow of death and was held up by His rod and staff.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4; 13, NASB
This one appears on my cell phone periodically to remind me. When I feel that I can’t take on one more thing, meet one more demand, attend to one more need, or take one more risk, I remember that I can tap into a Source far greater than I.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4; 6 and 7, NASB
Gratitude is a great healer, and it always brings me perspective. I’m grateful every day just to be alive! It is so good to be reminded to revel in my gratitude and trust Him for the rest. I know that God knows my requests, but it eases my burden to talk to God. This bible verse inspires me to be open about my heart’s desires and my greatest fears, and give them up to the One who can handle them. My own failings are so much less significant than the mercy and grace of God. When I put my spiritual life at the center, everything works better. Always.
I have been so unbelievably, abundantly blessed. When I let fear and anxiety cause me to forget, these inspirational bible verses, like the dear friends that they are, whisper encouragement and peace into my life.
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