Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Single Living Skill: Pocketful of Promises


Do you hear about people who cling to the promises of God and wonder how they do it?

Are they really spiritual, with tons of memorized Bible verses that play like a ticker tape in their head?

I'm not one of 'em. I wish I were, but  . . .  I fall far short.

So this is what I do: I make a copy of God's promises to me and stuff them in my pocket or purse. If a picture of a squirrel burying nuts comes to your mind, that's about it. lol Some days I remember to pull them out and read them when I'm feeling low, and other days I completely forget about them until I reach in, feel the slip of paper, and am delighted all over again with God's good news to me.

I usually do this with just one or two verses, sometimes just a phrase written on a scrap of paper or a napkin. But recently, after losing a couple nights of sleep over some situations with my kids, God impressed me with many parts of a Psalm I was reading. I thought if  you saw what I did, you might like trying it, too.

I highlighted the words that seemed to really speak to my problems, and because there were so many, I printed the whole thing out to carry in my pocket. (If you ever want an easy way to print out Bible verses, just go to Bible Gateway.) Scroll down to see the Psalm I printed out; the highlighted parts are where I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to me some direction, hope and promise.

What are some of your favorite verses? Why not add them to the comment line today--they'd be a great encouragement to others! Thanks for stopping in today, and I hope this gives you a little lift.
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Psalm 34 (New International Version--with a change or two of my own in italics)
1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor woman called, and the LORD heard her; (Wow! The God of the universe heard me?) he saved her out of all her troubles. :)
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous girlfriend like me, (although I wouldn't really describe myself as righteous except through Jesus) may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers her from them all;
20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

4 comments:

  1. You have a lovely blog and a loving ministry.
    Thank you for visiting me -
    now I've found you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Grandmother Wren. I'm so glad I found YOU!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love Psalm 34. Over the years, I've highlighted quite a few verses in my bible, but what a great idea to highlight a printout to carry with you. I like it. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I’ve recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

    ReplyDelete

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