Gathered around our family table we join hands and sing, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, with my mouth shall I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1 a verse that inspires and defines our family. This verse and song written from the context was a favorite of my great grandfather and my grandfather and has served as inspiration to me since I was a child. The faithfulness of these men has been passed down from generation to generation.
God’s Mercy
Taken from the Psalms and written by David, the verse exemplifies the need for us to always praise God for his mercies. God’s mercies are always present though we may not perceive them. I am reminded through this scripture that God’s love never changes, His goodness remains and is the constant source of joy. We are blessed with eternal mercies and should sing of them forever.
My grandfather was a living example of this verse. Although life was not always easy for him, he was a faithful servant of Christ and set that example for his family. His trust in God’s plan and the way he never ceased singing of the mercies of God resonates in my daily life.
God’s Plan
Knowing that my plan is not always God’s plan has been a difficult part of life. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me that I am not in control. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Although this verse is often taken out of context, it serves as a reminder that God truly knows what is best. He has a plan. When you read the book of Jeremiah you will see that Jeremiah is telling the people that they will be taken into captivity for 70 years in Babylon. When the 70 years are up they will be returned. Verse 11 is part of the promise that God hasn’t abandoned them and when the 70 years are up he will return them.
God had a plan for the people and was true to his word. We often don’t know what is right or good for us, but God is always certain. It is God’s hope that we put our faith and trust in Him. He will not rescind His promise and will take us through the hard times. This verse is one I have passed to my children, hoping they will always remember that God is in control.
God Never Quits
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 is my cornerstone. When I am frustrated or unsure, I trust that God will never give up on me, even if I give up on myself. When God begins the work of salvation in us, he will finish it. God never starts anything that he cannot finish. When God begins a work in us, he will see it through to completion.
I am reminded through this verse that whether I want it or not, God will finish his work in me. Paul was speaking to the Philippians to remind them that God would not abandon His work. Paul was reminding the people to trust God to intercede in whatever situation they may be facing.
As a parent, not only to I treasure this verse for myself, but for my children. I am confident that as children of God, my children are a work that will not ever be abandoned.
God’s Word is the Truth
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Isaiah 40:8. In a world of gray area, I rely on God’s word to be my black and white. I am given a guide for life in God’s word. I have no “personal truth,” I have God’s truth. This verse has inspired me to rely on what is written in the Word.
My grandparents taught me as a small child that God’s Word is the only word. As I reflect on verses of inspiration, it is obvious to me where they originated. The dedication in teaching God’s word to me by my grandparents has served as a guide for my life. As I look to the final verse of inspiration, I open the Daily Light Devotional to the page my grandfather read on the day he went home to the Lord.
Seek God
Colossians 3:1, “Seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Simply, this means to put our focus on spiritual things, to strive to be like Christ and shine His light. My grandfather lived this life every day. The light of Christ shined in his life. Now, I am blessed to be holding the book, which he read each day for 45 years. The book in which I find these inspiring verses.