Everyday Verses
As I have grown older, I find it easier to talk about my faith and my faith journey. God has placed me in a variety of places and circumstances during my life. While each instant may not have ended the way I would have wished, they have always ended according to his plan and they have always taught me about my relationship with God and my relationship with my fellow man. Here are seven verses that I read daily and carry with me always.
1) Matthew 6:33 (TLSB) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse is foundational to me. It underscores the priority of spiritual values and the promise that all other aspects of life will fall into place when we seek God’s will first.
2) Proverbs 3:5-6 (TLSB) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs is my ‘go-to’ book of the Bible. This verse encourages reliance on God’s wisdom and guidance, emphasizing the importance of trust in his divine plan.
3) Isaiah 41:10 (TLSB) “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The comfort and reassurance provided by these words are without measure. At all times, and especially during the most difficult of times, he is there with us; we need to look nowhere else.
4) Romans 8:28 (TLSB) “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In this one verse, Paul brings the message home - we are assured, that even in the most challenging situations, there is a divine plan at work for those who love and place their faith in God. But what is meant by “his purpose”?
5) Ephesians 4:32 (TLSB) “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Paul begins to answer the question of “purpose” for us. He emphasizes kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, drawing the parallel from God’s relationship with us as the model for our relationship with one another.
6) Proverbs 27:17 (TLSB) “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Of all the verses on this list, this is my favorite. It expands the question of “purpose” and has become the basis of “My Why”. This verse is all about relationships and the impact we have on one another. We support one another as we build trust through listening and sharing. We build strength as we repeat the process and create an environment of mutual respect. We do not judge one another for what has happened in the past, instead focusing on growth and maturity. These eight words guide us to provide direction, comfort, strength, empathy, and forgiveness to others as we build relationships.
7) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TLSB) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Had I written this a year ago, you would have found Psalm 23 in this spot, “The Lord is my shepherd…”; however, about six months ago I heard a song called, “Need a Favor” by the artist, Jelly Roll. The opening lines hit me hard, “I only talk to God, when I need a favor And I only pray, when I ain’t got a prayer.” Sound familiar? It did to me. I’ve been there. I know people who are there. And I pray for some just to get there.
In came this verse from 1 Thessalonians, reminding us to pray always. Not sure what to say, doesn’t matter. Prayer is just a conversation with you and God, so treat it as such. Yes, he knows what is happening in your life, but tell him anyway. If you’re struggling, just pray the Lord’s Prayer; look to Matthew 6:9-13 for direction. Like everything else in life, the more you do it, the easier it gets and the stronger you become.
God Bless, M.
