trbccoffeebreak

“I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:16 (ESV)

Nestled back in the darkest corner of my pantry is a tiny sweet little basket I absolutely love.  It’s ordinary, nothing special really.  But to me it’s priceless.  Why?  Because it’s the holder of all my fave recipes.  Now I totally get it that I can find any recipe online; however, I want the exact one I’ve made over and over again and loved.  I like tucking them away in my basket for safekeeping so I can easily pull them out when my tummy craves a delicious casserole or sweet treat. Keeping my fave comfort recipes close by reassures me I won’t be disappointed.   Nothing tastes better!

Tucked away deep in my heart, soul and mind are my fave verses. Sweet words of God reassuring my soul of the hope and comfort found in His word.  I cherish verses God has illuminated and used to teach me powerful lessons.  Hope infused scriptures lifting me up out of deep pits planting my feet on solid ground.  Convicting truths leading me to repentance, change and growth at pivot moments.  Guidance, wisdom and discernment lighting my path each step of the way.

Isaiah 48:17 is one I cling to most often: “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

Worn and weary in the battles of life, I gain strength from Psalm 41:11 – “By this I know that You delight in me:  my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.”

Burdens wearing me down, my head is lifted from Psalm 94:19 – “When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.

In dark valley days, Job 6:10 reminds me, “It would still bring me comfort and I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.”

When weakness overtakes me, I cherish the words of Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

An endless list of faves and new scriptures God draws to my attention at just the right moment when I need them the most.  Tucked away in my heart so I can stand firm even in the toughest battle and resist the attack of the enemy.  I absolutely love having His sweet words before my eyes and on my lips speaking them out loud so I can zero in on His truths. Nothing is better than God’s words washing over my heart, mind and soul directing, encouraging, and filling me.  Sweet reminders of His presence walking with me every step of the way.

What’s in your basket?  Carve in some time this week to collect verses which inspire and challenge you.  Put them in a safe place where they are readily available when you need them. Add to them….memorize them and watch as God uses them to draw your heart closer to His.

“Father, nothing taste sweeter than Your words…. blest to rest in the truth found only in You.  Grateful for my Bible, my journals and notecards beautifully scripted with Your words – daily food for my soul.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life