Verses I pray on repeat

There are a sampling of verses that even at my lowest moments quickly set me straight, lift me up, and renew my spirit. They help me check my decisions and my heart, help give me strength when I'm down and trampled, and give me hope when everything seems dark. They are so consistently running through my mind it was only a matter of time before they ended up here, shared with you. So without further ado, I hope you enjoy your peek inside the heart and mind of Meg.

First,
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. The aforementioned Matthew 6:33.

Not to be a broken record, but this could definitely be titled my mantra. It is, unfortunately, true to say that this rolls through my mind much more frequently when I'm struggling than when I'm succeeding. The blog post before this goes more in depth, so I'll just reiterate briefly.... this verse fits in every aspect, moment, and obstacle in your life. Feeling worthless, challenged, or lost; if you're grieving, scared, or weak... remember Seek first the kingdom of God. Right there. Right. There. Truth, guidance, strength. This verse is so powerful in it's verity.
(side note, feeling successful, on top and dominating? This verse definitely still fits! But if I have forgotten, I seek to retain my humility and remember: For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7)

Second
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust your own insight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

This, too, gets murmured on repeat by me, especially in times of great trial. Often it is all too easy (maybe subconscious?) that I could construe what God's will might be into what I want God's will to be for me. This verse, however, helps me let go of that last rope I'm clinging to; it helps me release my final finger from the controls. This could mean not praying for guidance while holding onto my own opinion on what the outcome should be. This could mean admitting something I'm trying to justify really is just wrong.
In short:
Don't judge (myself or others). Don't decide. Don't rationalize. Don't think of and for myself. Don't plan. God's insight, not mine.
That's rough though isn't it? What is God's will? What is my own? --- I pray with an open heart and believe God will guide me. I pray it again and again until I release what I'm holding onto. Trust me, I can feel it. I can feel my whole body give it up when finally I stop fighting and start trusting God.

Third
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
This one helps keep me honest. Of course God knows all of our thoughts and intentions, but hearing the words play through your head, why even bother trying to fool yourself with something untrue? The rough but real question - Am I acting out of love or out of secret hope for selfish return? Even at my best, selfish motives always long to drive my thoughts and actions. Most challenging, however, is when the answer is not obvious. It is not always easy to tell what my true motives are, even when I don't feel mischievous or self serving. Some people might say its natural to want to watch out for yourself first. Well, selfishness does not define love, it defines what love is not.



Yep, there we have it. These verses renew and align my spirit. They remind me that serving myself is not necessary (or good, ouch) for eternal happiness and life (see Matthew 6:33). They keep me in check in case I'm trying to fool others (or even God) subconsciously or purposefully. Those things may seem more harsh than rejuvenating, but really, most often that is all they do: set me straight and build me up. It certainly doesn't hurt to know that no matter my failure or success, if my heart is true and good, God knows. If I give it my all, if I mean well and work truly in good conscience, that is all He asks, for then we return to the beginning -

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.

:) :) :)
Amen