I realize I am very behind in updating my favorite verses in the book of Psalms. I’ve been reading the same book since January, meditating on a chapter or part of a chapter each day. Recently, Rachel asked about meditation and asked if I sit like this when I meditate: legs crossed, arms raised, hands forming the American Sign Language symbol for “O”, humming “ommm.” I laughed and explained that when I say I am meditating, it means I read a chapter from the Bible and sit quietly thinking about what I just read. I will write down a particular verse of interest in my prayer journal and sometimes a note card or sticky note. It is the sit still part that I always have the most trouble with. My mind is always racing onto the next thing, always prioritizing my day, and making lists. Sitting still (coffee in hand) as I read God’s word helps me to shift my focus on Him not me, His wants not my wants. Finally, I pray, asking God to let these words seep into the marrow of my soul.
The following verses have been my favorites as I slowly read through the longest book of the Bible.
“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalms 61:3-4
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalms 62:1-2
“Trust in Him in all times.” Psalms 62:8
“One thing God has spoken, but two things I heard: 1) God is strong.
2) God love me!”
Psalms 62: 11
“Your right hand holds me up!” Psalms 63:8
“All of mankind will fear, they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done.” Psalms 64:9
“You crown the year with Your goodness. Your ways overflow with abundance!” Psalms 65:11
“Come and see what God has done, how awesome are His works on my behalf!” Psalms 66:5
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us.” Psalms 67:1
“Our God is a God who saves, from a Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.” Psalms 68:20
“Save me God! The waters have come up to my neck and I am sinking in deep water.” Psalms 69:1
“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you, may those who love your salvation say ‘Let God be exalted!” Psalms 70:4
“Lord, you have been my hope since my youth. From birth I have relied on you.” Psalms 71:5
“But as for me, I will always have hope. I will praise you more and more.” Psalms 71:14
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me God, until I declare your power to the next generation.” Psalms 71: 18
“Though you have made me see troubles (many and bitter), you restore my life again. From the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.” Psalms 71:20-21
“My mouth shouts for joy when I sing your praise to you. It is I that you have redeemed!” Psalms 71:23
“He will deliver the needy and the weak, and rescue the oppressed.” Psalms 72:12-14
“But as for me, it is good to be near God!” Psalms 73:28
“You, God are my King from old: you bring salvation upon the earth.” Psalms 74:12
“As for me, I will declare this forever” Psalms 75:9
“You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you?” Psalms 76:7
“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were not seen.” Psalms 77:19
“Yet, He was merciful; He forgave their iniquities.” Psalms 78:38
“We are your people, the sheep of your pasture, we will praise you forever, from generation to generation.” Psalms 79:13
“Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Psalms 80:19
“I remove burdens from your shoulders, says God.” Psalms 81:6
“In your distress you called and I rescued you!” Psalms 81:7
“God presides…” Psalms 82:1
“Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord- that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalms 83:18
“Blessed (happy) are those whose strength is in you.” Psalms 84:5
“Show us your unfailing love.” Psalms 85:7
“You are forgiving and good. The Lord is abounding in love to all who call upon Him.” Psalms 86:5
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name! Psalms 86:11
(This is my prayer for my children.)
“The Most High will establish her…He will write her name is His great book” Psalms 87:5-6
(When I read this, I sang the old hymn, “When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there…”)
“O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.” Psalms 88:1
“The Lord is mighty and His faithfulness surrounds you.” Psalms 89:8
“Blessed (happy) are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence.” Psalms 89:15
I am learning to sit still before the Lord; learning to talk less and listen more; learning how much he loves us, no matter what. Learning all that is reason enough to be blessed and happy!
~April
“May you and I be mutally encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12