For a long time, my favorite scripture has been the one from Proverbs 3:3-5. As I wrote the words of this verse for the survey, I pondered a thought. What does it mean to really favor something?
This may sound trite, but what we favor is special to us. But wait...there is more. To call something "favorite," is to prefer it over other things. Maybe it is a food you can't pass up, a movie you would see a thousand times, or a Bible verse that fills you with peace, encouragement, or hope. The things you love the most hold a special meaning to you. Remember the tender, picture-painting lyrics of "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music? The words prompt us to think of our favorite things if we feel sad. Spiritually speaking, it is this way, too. Feeling downhearted? Focus on the words of a well-loved Bible verse. It just might offer the comfort you need. I revisited my favorite verse from Proverbs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." I'd never given deep thought to why I loved this verse, but the simple theme, trust, resonated in my heart. Then I realized it was because the verse spoke to me personally. Trust: It fit my desire (to have complete confidence in God), and it fit the nature of who I was (a trusting person). An idea sparked. We know about personality traits. But what about "spiritual" personality traits? If they existed, I was certain mine would say: Trusting. Excited, I put my second verse, from 2 Chronicles 15:7, to the test, "Be strong and do not give up..." "Be strong." Yes. I needed to hear that. I'd lived my share of hills and valleys. My father, of Finnish descent, taught me about inner strength. The Finns call it "Sisu." It refers to dogged determination, grit, and resilience for life, despite the adversity. Later, I learned about strength of faith, too. Bingo. There was the spiritual connection. I was excited about the discovery of the spiritual personality traits. I wanted to trust God, and to remain strong in faith. Intrigued with my findings, I thought of my family. Would the scriptures they chose connect with their spiritual nature, too? I pulled out the paper with the verses my husband and daughters provided. Yes. Their choices coincided with their spiritual desires, and the themes of the verses matched their individual makeup. I couldn't help but smile. Would these connections be true for my friends, and others, too? I felt certain this could be the case. "Favorite." It has a deeper meaning for me now. As I turn to my most loved Bible verses, I feel the depth of the words in my heart, and find I am living the traits of trust and strength. Because of the survey, I learned there was more to the choice of a favorite Bible verse than I ever imagined. I was amazed at the discoveries I made, related to my own spiritual nature, as well as that of the members of my family. Understanding who I am spiritually has enabled me to more clearly put my faith into perspective. I am doing my best to trust in God, and to stay inwardly strong. With these spiritual gems unearthed, it is time to work on the polish so I can do my best to shine... # What might your favorite Bible verses say about you? What spiritual gems await that you might unearth? # I would like to thank those who participated in this survey. It meant a lot to me, and your responses made the survey, and the information gleaned from it, possible. (If you did not have an opportunity to partake of the survey, simply choose two of your favorite Bible verses, and put them to the test, as I did. You might just enlightened with the results). Blessings, Nanc' :) P.S. - Be on the lookout for the tabulated results of the Bible Verse Survey. They will be posted to Facebook soon, via Weebly.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
"Goodness
Through God's Word!" Find inner peace through Positive Thought, through Faith in God and through God's Word. Archives
February 2025
Categories |