Favorites

The Bible is chock full of great stuff.  Wisdom, comfort, correction, direction, encouragement.  In it we get to know our Creator, our Redeemer, our Comforter, Our King, our Father, the Almighty God.  We see His love and His holiness.  We see His plan unfolding through the history of the Bible.  What a wonderful book, beyond amazing, a priceless treasure.  But there are some verses that become favorites.  Some that speak to our deepest needs, our desperate hearts and our longing souls.  They are the ones we turn to again and again, they stick to us, settle into our innermost being and give us hope when nothing else seems to be working.  I wanted to share a few of mine.  I am hoping they will bring a smile and a hope to your heart.  

Isaiah 43:1-4 But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel:  “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.  2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.  4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.

This verse was one of the first verses God gave me as my own.  I never forget this and it will always bring joy to my heart.  

Romans 8:12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.

Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for him!

Lamentation 3:22-23  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is You faithfulness.  

1 Peter 4:2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord  for the display of his splendor.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Isaiah 55:2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?  Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 143:8  Let me hear of Your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting in You.  Show me where to walk for I have come to you in prayer. 

Psalm 119:35  Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.   (really, I love all of Psalm 119!)

Psalm 1:9 I delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night I think about His law. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Genesis 16:13 13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered.

These are just a few of my favorites.  They ebb and flow on the list depending on what hill or valley I am walking in.  The Lord has given me comfort and instruction and encouragement some many times.  I am forever blessed to be His child.

Lord, thank You.  I look back on these verses and see Your hand and Your love spilling all over my days.  How blessed are we to be Your sons and daughters.  Thank You.  Forever thank You.  

What are your verses?  Look back over your time with the Lord and see His love.  And if you are just starting this journey, look forward and be alert.  The Lord longs to share His heart with each of us.