My Own Personal Scripture Book

I reached into my purse and pulled out my 3×5 spiral bound index cards.  I needed a verse.  Or a quote.  I didn’t care which.  I just needed something that I knew would bring me encouragement as I struggled.

I had read once that you should put sticky notes up on your mirror with a verse or positive thought that you could read every day to help get your day started.  While I thought (and still do) that it was a great idea, I wasn’t always in the room with the mirror.  And as someone who’s been diagnosed with depression, I knew that overwhelming thoughts could hit me anywhere and at a moment’s notice.  That’s when I decided I needed to go one step further.

I wanted something on 3×5 cards—I wanted something bigger and more durable than a sticky note.  I also wanted to have more than one verse handy.  When I was struggling, I wanted to be able to quickly read multiple verses about God’s love at the same time…my own little reference book.

I found some 3×5 cards that were spiral bound and my “Verse Book” was born.  In it, I copied one verse per card.  Then, I thought a little more out of the box; I also wrote out quotes from Ms. Laura, the director of the women’s bible study group at Cheyenne Hills Church and Pastor Galen, our lead pastor.  My goal was to surround myself with as much as I could that could help me center myself back in Christ when I was combating a rough day or season.

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. –Philippians 2:13

“The truth is, because of God and His abundant grace, we have everything we need to live the lives God longs for us to live.” –Laura Whitmore, SOWN

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong in the Lord.  Not YOUR power, but His.” –Pastor Galen Huck (referencing Ephesians 6:10)

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. –Psalm 47:1

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. –John 3:16

These are just a few examples of what was written down in my Verse Book.  I’ve carried that in my purse for years and as I’ve read them, it’s even given me opportunity to memorize them so that I can have God’s word sown into my heart.

Now I’m getting ready to start a new one, a fresh one.  Those verses and quotes still carry so much comfort to me.  However, as I’ve matured in my walk with the Lord I’ve found that new verses and quotes uplift and encourage me.  It’s time for Verse Book 2.0.

For those of you needing comfort, I’m going to encourage you to make your own Verse Book.  Put it in your own writing.  Read it often—on good days AND bad.  Carry it with you and use it as a tool to help bring you closer to Jesus.  He’s here to help.

How about you?  Is there a verse or a quote that’s encouraged you during a season of trial?  Share it in the comments below.

~Erin