my favorite scriptures
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” - Psalm 23, KJV
Psalm 23 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Reciting the words, and thinking through their meaning always gives me such comfort. The King James Version in particular is solidified in my memory because that’s the version I memorized early in my youth, being raised in a small Baptist church. I believe I was a member of that church from birth and much of the foundation of my Christian faith was built between the wooden pews, hand fans circulating hot air, and expertly tickled organ keys of that little church.
The years of difference between that shy little girl and the woman I have grown into today have made this scripture come alive for me. As a mom, wife, business owner, disciple, etc. etc. I have come to know the Lord for myself. My faith has long since evolved from what I heard to what I have experienced and now know for myself. I have lived through what this scripture promises: even though I may be walking through the toughest, scariest, most dangerous situation, the most trying circumstance, I can do so with the confidence and assurance that my Lord, the maker of the Heavens and the Earth, walks with me. I can rest assured that He will lead and guide me, that He will correct me when I am wrong and re-direct me when I veer off course. I can know that He will ensure I have rest when I need it, that I take breaks and have water and am nourished for the journey. I can be still and know that no scheme of the enemy will prevail against me because the living God has my back, my front, and both my sides.
What a comfort! What good news! As I face troubles of many kinds, as fears occasionally threaten to derail the destiny He has prescribed for me, I go back to this scripture (and others like it) and I am comforted. I am encouraged, reminded, and re-energized. As I read and re-read this scripture, it’s not that the fears completely vanish. It’s not that I am never afraid again. It’s more so that my perspective is shifted. God’s truth has the ability to bring all other things into proper focus. Suddenly, my fears don’t look so daunting. The mountains don’t seem so impassable. The obstacles don’t seem so insurmountable. In fact, I know that everything is going to be alright because God is in control and His plans for me are better than I can imagine. That is great news! As the old folks used to say, “I think I’ll run on and see what the end gon’ be.”
Who remembers this song?!
“Be encouraged. No matter what’s going on. He’ll make it all right. But ya gotta stay strong. Be encouraged. Be encour-ou-ou-ou-raged!”
Be Encouraged, William Becton
Scripture is so important to me. Reading the Bible is one of the key ways I lean on God’s truth & power during times of fear and other emotions that want to rule my actions.
here are a few more of my favorite passages/verses
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” - John 15:1-8, NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers. - Psalm 1:3, NIV
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. - Isaiah 43:2
what are your favorite scriptures?
Do you have any scriptures, verses, or quotes that deeply encourage you? What helps to shift your perspective? What reminds you that hope is worth having? Reach out on socials or shoot me an email to let me know!
Take a listen to my latest podcast episode, Bravery in Action, where I talk about my experience with fear and how it affects my actions. Binge all the episodes here.
I pray something you have read here inspires, empowers, or encourages you to be brave, be honest, and be well.
Until next time,
- nikk
on my playlist:
Be Encouraged - William Becton
“I know right now it's impossible to see, but God is gonna work it out if you just believe. Remember this one thing while you're going through, if God delivered Daniel, He'll do the same for you."
Note: although AI is a super dope tool, all of these words are written directly from my own mind, unenhanced by technology. :)