Over the summer, I conducted a survey of favorite Bible verses. In doing so, I found a few simple words, like spiritual gems unearthed, that showed me the nature of who I was spiritually. There are treasures that might await you, too, and if you are curious, read on... For those unfamiliar with the survey, it consisted of one task: Choose two of your favorite Bible verses.
"Favorite." It is a word we use often, isn't it? We have favorite foods, favorite movies, favorite songs, and, perhaps, favorite Bible verses, too. My personal verse of choice is Proverbs 3:3-5, a scripture close to my heart. As I penned the words on the survey form, I pondered a thought. What does it really mean to favor something? It may sound trite, but what we favor is special to us. But wait. There is more to it. 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 million times, or a Bible verse that fills you with peace, encouragement, or hope. Whatever your favorite things are, they hold a special meaning for you. Remember the tender, picture-painting lyrics of "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music? The words prompt the listener to think of their favorite things when they feel sad, to feel better again. Spiritually speaking, it is like this, too. If you feel downhearted, focusing on the encouraging words of a best-loved Bible verse can provide great comfort. I looked back at the words of my favorite verse, Proverbs 3:3-5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..." I'd never given deep thought to why I liked the verse so much, but the simple theme, trust, was one that resonated in my heart. Then I knew why. The words 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. There are personality traits. We all know about those. But what about "spiritual" personality traits? If these existed, I was certain that trust would be on the list for me. Feeling excited, I would put my second verse of choice to the test. I'd chosen 2 Chronicles 15:7, Be strong and do not give up..." "Be strong." I always needed to hear that. I'd lived my share of hills and valleys. Also, my father, who was of Finnish descent, taught me about inner strength. The Finnish term for this is called "Sisu." It refers to grit, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Later, I learned to be strong in faith, too. Bingo. There was the spiritual connection. I felt an excitement about the discovery of my spiritual personality traits. The themes fit. At my best, I was trusting...and strong. Excited, I thought of family and friends. Would the scriptures they chose connect with them, too? I pulled out the paper with the verses my husband and daughters provided. Yes! Their choice of scripture connected with their spiritual desires. The themes matched their individual makeup. I couldn't help but smile. Would these connections be true for friends and acquaintances, too? I thought perhaps so. "Favorite." It has a deeper meaning for me now. When I turn to my best-loved Bible verses, I feel the depth of those words in my heart, and find I am living the trust and the strength. Through the survey results, I realized there is more to the choice of favorite Bible verses than I imagined. I was led to the discovery of my own "spiritual" personality traits, as well as those of my family. Spiritual gems, unearthed, and ready for polish. Understanding my spiritual personality traits, I have been able to put my faith into perspective. I do my best to trust in God, and stay spiritually strong. With these gems unearthed, there is work to do. Time to work on that polish, so that I can do my best to shine! # What might your favorite Bible verses say about you? What spiritual gems will you unearth? Please feel free to comment. I would love to hear from you! I also want to thank all of you who responded to this survey! Blessings, Nanc' P.S. - Be on the lookout for the tabulated results of the Bible Verse Survey, coming soon.
9 Comments
Sabrina Barron
1/25/2021 08:28:58 pm
John 8:7 and 2 corinthians 5:7
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1/27/2021 01:37:01 pm
Hello, Sabrina!
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LeenaHere
5/5/2021 09:44:34 am
Philippians 4:13 And Matthew 14:22-33... Both verses have something in common..Which it's to focus on Christ and everything will be Alright..I have a hard time staying focus..Im usually always easily distracted. Christ gives us the strength to do all things..And these verses help me understand that..No matter what..Jesus is always there...And to do all things through him and not of the flesh. To be contentment on what's more important. P.S Let me know your thoughts on it. 😂❤️
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Nancy Jean Johnson
5/7/2021 08:43:19 pm
Hello, Leena!
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Colin Coleman
3/17/2022 02:41:27 pm
Matthew 7:15
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3/21/2022 03:53:30 pm
Hi, Colin!
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Olivia
5/27/2024 08:25:57 pm
1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Do everything in love"
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5/27/2024 11:19:21 pm
Greetings, Olivia!
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Cynthia
12/23/2024 07:40:59 am
Ecclesiastes 3:20 : "All come from the same place. All come from dust, and all return to dust"
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