Words of Hope

Last fall, as we awaited test results to see if my husband, John, did indeed have cancer I went on a trip to Tennessee for an event with Patsy Clairmont. (And yes, I did hesitate to leave at that moment in time but John was going on a hunting trip that weekend anyway so canceling my trip to stay home alone didn’t make much sense.) I talked a little about my trip last week and really, I’m not trying to say, “Oh, look at me, I got to met some famous Christian artists,” it’s just that I have to tell you about this man I met. His name is David Teems. In all honesty, I have never heard of him before. He is an author and a musician.

Patsy had invited several of her artist friends to join us for dinner on Saturday evening and David was among them. Part of this very special evening included David doing a recitation during which he softly played the piano and shared hope-filled scriptures. Well, as you can imagine I was in HUGE need of hope at that time so I was torn between quietly sitting with my eyes closed to soak it in, and frantically writing down the scripture verses he was quoting. Had I known then that there was a CD I could later order, I would have chosen the former, but I didn’t want to forget the gist of any of the verses that were feeding my soul at that moment.

At the end of the evening I met David and was able to tell him how much his recitation had meant to me. It was then that I found out about the CDs. He told me about a friend of his who was struggling through cancer treatments and how he had given her his CDs. This friend’s husband, David relayed to me, told David that his wife listens to this CD all day long and added, “I’m so sick of your voice!” That cracked me up.

I’ve been listening to this CD as I go to sleep at night. What better way to relax than by listening to the Word of God? David’s voice, too, is VERY calming. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend listening to it if you’re trying to stay awake while driving late at night.

The one thing I’ve found in this cancer journey of ours is that the Bible is filled with hope and encouragement. One of my friends has emailed me a Bible verse EVERY SINGLE DAY since she first heard of our battle. What a gift!

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite verses with you today; the ones that have offered me hope, strength and peace for the journey. Maybe they’ll encourage you in yours.

For times when you just want to feel protected:

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (ESV) 

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”             Proverbs 18: 10 (ESV)

For times when are so tired you feel like you can’t go on:

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” Jeremiah 31:25 (NLT) 

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) 

When you are afraid:

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

“He will cover you with his feathers He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

When you wonder if God really loves you:

He’s praying for you!!! “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 (ESV)

He’s always listening! “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT)

When you need peace:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”             Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

There are SO many more verses I could share with you. The Word of God is my lifeline. Do you have a “go-to” verse for tough times? I’d love it if you’d share it with me.

I just have to add one final reminder. Don’t forget to laugh. It will save your life – literally!

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)

This week I am linking up to another blog by encouraging woman of faith, Holley Gerth.