Can the Words of a Book Inspire Us?

Certainly at some point you have come across words on a page or heard a story that has inspired you to try and be a better person, to try something new, or just to take a moment and really reflect on the meaning of the words. Words can and should inspire us but sometimes the type of inspiration received is different depending on mood, surroundings, and who the words are coming from. Even reading the exact same words or hearing an identical story will not evoke the same inspiration and emotions in everyone. Let's face it we all need inspiration but don't necessarily know where to find it. Sometimes inspiration comes just through someone sharing with you something they have read before. Below are some passages from the Bible I would like to share that inspire me each and every time I read them and hope they do the same for you.

Proverbs (22:6) "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

I am no different then every other parent out there who wants to protect their children from the harmful and hurtful things that life sometimes offers. I always wonder if I have done enough to prepare them for what they will experience when they go out on their own. I take comfort in this scripture as it reminds me that the time we invest in our children's future by teaching them God's way will not be returned void.

Jeremiah (29:11) "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (NLT)

This scripture reminds me that even though I think I know what is best for me, God has a plan. I do not have to wonder or worry about my future and what it brings as long as I hold strong to my faith.

Matthew (11:28) "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."

There are always days that just seem to not contain enough hours to allow for everything to get done. After an exhausting day of work there is little or no time left to do anything. No matter how much TV I watch to unwind or how long I lay in bed or on the couch I never achieve the rest my mind and body require. Making sure to spend even a few moments each day with God gives me just the refreshment I need.

II Timothy (1:7) "For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."

Whenever I have felt a sense of fear regarding anything I read through this scripture and find peace in knowing that I have no reason to be afraid as that spirit is not from God.

Hebrews (13:8) "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Everyday when I wake up and listen to or read the news everything is always changing. I have often thought how great things would be if during the good times in life everything could just stay the same. I would always be completely comfortable and never have to adjust my life to change. Through everything that changes there is one thing you can always count on staying the same and that is Jesus Christ.

If any or all of these passages have inspired you remember to share them with someone else. You might be the one to help shape someone's life by giving them the inspiration that they were looking for and needed.