The Bible: Inspirational Verses to Feed Your Soul

We feed our physical bodies to givethem strength, to energize and sustain them; but what is it we do to fuel ourspiritual being? If you are a Christian, you feed on God's Word, the Bible. Andlike every-day food, anyone is welcome to partake of spiritual food as well.

When I went through my divorce, a dark part of my life's journey, the Scriptures held me together. All of them, like the following verses, fed my soul.

Five Inspirational Bible Verses

• Psalm 46:1

• Philippians 4:11-13

• Psalm 40:1-3

• Jeremiah 29:11

• Philippians 4:8

1. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

I picture the Lord as a safe place to run to-a refuge, like an ancient castle surrounded by an impenetrable wall. Divorce drained me, my own strength failed me. However, God promised me that he would be the very strength I needed. He was an ever-present help in my trouble.

2. Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

For a short time my kids and I were homeless. We were living inside a small church, and relied on the local police department for Christmas dinner. It was a difficult time but we were never without shelter or food.

When I read the fourth chapter of Philippians I made the choice, like Paul, to be joyful in all circumstances-using my car as a closet didn't seem so bad. At Christmas we managed to find a small Charlie Brown tree and decorated it with candy canes. At least there was room at the Inn for us.

3. Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV) "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

Every other Sunday I meet with a very special group of single moms. We feed each other with inspirational bible verses as we battle for child custody, child support, and angry ex-husbands. We read Psalm 40 when it seemed that most of us had slipped into the mud and mire called divorce-a slimy place. It was a reminder for us to wait patiently; help was on the way. We were in this pit together and one by one God set us on solid ground again.

4. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Like the children of Israel in Jeremiah's time, I sometimes feel like I am in exile. When my marriage broke up, our life plans also dissolved. My protector was gone, and the kids and I were no longer provided for. First thing was to look for a job. I cleaned houses-not exactly the dream I had envisioned in the beginning.

Jeremiah told the exiles to stop complaining, that God did have a plan. It was something they could hope for with the promise of a good future. I continue to hang onto this inspirational verse as I rest in that hope that He knows the plan. After all, I am now living in a two-story-six-bedroom home.

5. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) ". . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."

There's calmness to this verse. It's all good, like having peace in the midst of crises. What is noble, or pure, lovely or admirable? To think upon these things, instead of all the chaos in our lives, makes me smile.