Another tactic in my surviving grief has been to of course read my Bible, but also to write the verses that stick out the most to me on 3 x 5 note cards. I carry them with me everyday. I fight off depression, worry, fear, and many other negative emotions with the Truth. When grieving, you become incredibly vulnerable to superficial forms of relief from the pain that burdens you after your loss. But only one God will satisfy you, or grant you the Peace that you're looking for.
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Ephesians 6:17
These are a few from my personal collection of note cards:
"Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you". Proverbs 20:22
"The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the Lord's wrath will fall into it." Proverbs 22:14
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9
"When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever." Proverbs 10:25
"Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." Proverbs 28:14
"He is my loving God and my Fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me." Psalm 144:2
"Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; Your God will come, He will come with vengeance, with divine retribution He will come to save you." Isaiah 35:4
"You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35
"But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" 1 Cor 7:15-16
Am I perfect? Nowhere near perfection. But, I know to Whom I belong.
4 comments:
You and I have not met, but you are often in my thoughts and in my prayers. I pray for you and Chad both, and my heart hopes that God would even work a huge miracle sometime in the coming months and years. But even if He doesn't bring the "fairy tale ending" I wish for for both of you guys, I will continue to pray that He does indeed bring you peace, so much joy, hope, comfort, and courage as you walk this tough journey. Thank you for sharing those verses. They encouraged my soul today.
Nicole~
I have a stack of my own note cards that I started when Austin was born, continued through my divorce, the death of my dad, and through the good and the bad times in my life. I put the dates on the back of my cards and when I look back and read them it gives me perspective of where my life was then and how God has helped through these times. Here are two of my favorites.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to
uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have recieved.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
God Bless ~ Abbie
Another beautiful post. You are so strong - and your faith is amazing.
I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving. I'll be away for a few days, but look forward to catching up with your blog when I get back.
As always, I send my hope for brighter days ahead. :-)
Amen! Never wander or question to Whom you belong. I read your blog, I hvae for quite some time. I read because unlike you I have not yet been asked to fight the battles you have, nor do i hope to ever be lead in that direction. However, God uses your story to touch lives and mine has been touched. In more ways than I express. I have never commented before that I remember, yet this touches me deeper than other posts. God has you IN HIS HAND and will NEVER let go. I admire your strength and courage to face His will for your life and carry yourself in His grace and the power of His rightousness. You are loved and prayed for often. By many who don't "know" you. Please be encouraged that you are His vessel. Have hope and continue on the rightous path. He is not finished with your story yet. You WILL continue to be blessed beyond measure. Love in Christ, Tracy
Post a Comment