Daria has tagged me in a favorite Bible verses meme. I’m terrible about answering these things in a timely manner. Mostly because, as Dom likes to point out, I overthink them. (DO other people do that or is it just me?)
So today I’m not going to agonize over it but just put down the first three favorites that come to mind without worrying too much if they’re really my favorite favorites.
First, one of my absolute favorites. If you ask me to name just one, this would probably have to be it: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” I can’t even really explain just that the face of God that really touches me to the heart is Jesus the Word.
From the beginning of Psalm 18: “I love you, Lord, you are my strength.” I’m not sure if this is my absolute favorite verse from the Psalms, but it’s close. i could fill up pages and pages with my favorite verses from the Psalms. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours will do that to you. But I do love this one. It always feels like a blow to the forehead. How intimate, how personal: “I love you, Lord.” Just like he’s, you know, right here with me. And then that confession: “You are my strength.” I’m allowed to be weak, childish, dependent. I’m allowed to lean on him. It’s ok. He’s the strong one and I love him for it.
From the fourth chapter of Esther: “Even if you now remain silent, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another source; but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows but that it was for a time like this that you obtained the royal dignity?” I just love the story of Esther. And this is my favorite line. (Can I tell you how peeved I am that the picture book version I bought for the kids doesn’t have this line?) This is what it says to me: God’s going to do what he’s going to do. nothing you or I can do will thwart his divine will from being accomplished. BUT. But, you can be a part of it or you can be left out in the cold. You can choose life or death for yourself. God’s not going to force you to do the right thing nor to accept his grace. And also there’s that bit about who knows but that it was for a time like this… It says that God has a purpose and we might not recognize it but sometimes it’s our very good fortune that puts us in a position to do the hard thing God wants us to do. I am where I am not as a result of random chance but because it’s all a part of God’s plan. Am I going to step up and do the right thing, accept the hard calling?
Now I suppose I should tag some people; but I’m too lazy. Leave a link to your list on your own blog if you want to play along or leave your answers in the comments.
