The Bible: A Weary Soul's Refuge

"When I am down,
and oh my soul's so weary,
when burdens come
and my heart troubled be,"
it is then that I turn to the good book for inspiration, and comfort. I have several favorite Bible verses. Through the years I have highlighted, marked and cherished each of these verses. Some of them may be among everyone's favorites, and a few may be a little off the beaten path. Each of these verses mean the world to me, and really there are so many more that I could choose; however, the Bible has already been penned. Why not turn to your Bible and find a few of your favorite inspirational words, too? I would love to read them.

Acts 2:36-39

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus,
whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in
their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall
we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

When I was 16 years old, I was pricked in my heart by these words that I found in the Bible. Just like those on Pentecost who realized they had crucified the Lord, I realized that I was a sinner. I needed forgiveness, and I needed to be baptized. There is more comfort in knowing that I have been baptized into Christ, like those on Pentecost, than any other scripture could supply. God has promised me and everyone who obeys, that our sins could be blotted out and remembered no more. I know that obedience will lead me to the beautiful gate to see my Father, who is the King.

Joshua 24:14-15

"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

I have been married for over 15 years, bet even before my husband and I ever entered into marriage, we determined that our house would serve the Lord. We declared that our love for God would always be above all else, even each other. This may seem a little strange to some, but putting God first has allowed us to care for each other in an honest and sincere way. I know that that decision has been what has blessed us with happiness and a greater love for each other than most married people will ever find.

Psalm 122:1

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."

Unlike many in the world today, I long to meet with my brothers and sisters on the Lord 's Day and on Wednesday nights. We try to be at ever service, even gospel meetings, lectureships and singings. I love to sing praises to God and to hear voices lifted up in song. I attend the church of Christ, and there is nothing like a capella singing ringing from the rafters during worship services. It brings tears to my eyes to hear the voices of my children lifted up in praise. I long to hear millions of voices singing praises to the lamb one day in Heaven.

Romans 10:15

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word
of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the
heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

I find comfort in knowing the God sent His word so that we could know assuredly what His plan is for mankind. I am comforted that if I have an obedient faith in God, I have a home in Heaven with him. I am comforted by the fact that I will once again be reunited with loved ones who have gone before me. The previous verses mean so much to me. The words are much more than a comfort, the words encourage me to teach others, and help me to encourage my husband to preach the word. "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Philippians 4:4-13

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation beknown unto all
men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye
have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be
with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished
again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of
want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to
be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be
full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me.'

A long time ago, a dear friend told me to highlight this passage in my Bible. He said that when I was feeling low, I should turn to these words for comfort and guidance. This passage helps me to remember that God does answer prayer, and that I can have a peaceful life if I put my faith in things that are honest and true. I know that I, too, "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Of course, there are so many more passages that I could list, like Psalm 23 or Proverbs 31:10-31, or the entire book of Acts (my favorite book), but really, I am interested in seeing what your favorite verses are. So, place the verse or reference in the comments and tell me why it is your favorite!