Scripture is a two-edged sword, living and active… isn’t that what the Bible says? I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time committing large amounts of Scripture to memory. But, there are those handful of verses that I read that stick with me. They are the words that first come to mind when I pray, when I make choices, etc. They are the verses that I default to when challenges come, when my faith is tested, when I’m tempted to choose sin. Here are my five foundational verses, my daily acclaimed promises, what I come back to when I’m weak:

Psalm 86:11 – Teach me your way O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

In the past few years this has become a daily prayer of mine. Teach me your way, Lord, in this situation. Teach me your way, God, for this decision. Teach me your way of thinking about this issue. Etc.

2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

I think I find peace in this verse because it fends on self-pity and self-doubt. When I feel small and incapable, I remember that in His Word and His Spirit inside of me, He readily gives me all I think to be more like Him. To choose godliness, love, kindness, faith, etc.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Man oh man! This promise always halts any fear that creeps into my heart. I want the gears of my mind to continually be turning this truth over and over.

Ephesians 2:14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…

A prayer to not just ask for peace, but that He would be my peace, has been a prayer of mine since early college days. I love the idea of God’s presence being a place of comfort, peace, rest, joy. It’s an act of focusing + treasuring the Giver, not only the gifts… the Person, not just the characteristics.

Psalm 94:18-19 – When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations [comforts] cheer my soul.

This verse warms my heart every time I read it. As my Father, friend, Savior, he holds me up so I don’t fall. When I am feel burdened by life, sins, trials, difficulties, He is there to cheer my soul. How marvelous is that!

Do you have verses you preach to yourself — weekly, daily? I’d love to hear them.