Life verses.
Every year I pray for a verse to define the year. Then I handwrite the verse out on paper and place it on our door to the garage. I look at it several times a week. And I pray the words.
Today’s Miscellany? About my very first life verse. And why it became to be.
1) 2 Samuel 22:2-4 — The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
2) Why? First, you need to know that I have this small pocket Bible that I carry in my purse. It’s blue leather with a Celtic Cross on the cover. And an etched in letter B — thanks to Brennan when he was learning his letters.
3) At first I was annoyed that Brennan wrote on my Bible. But, now, as time passes, that little B with the two b humps not joined and the line way to long is precious to me. And, honestly, it gives me perspective. Sometimes the hard things turn to good. It just takes time.
4) I underline and date verses that jump out to me. I love looking back at dates in my Bible and remembering. I love it even more when I open up my Bible to underline a verse and I’ve found it underlined. Twice.
5) Almost all of Philippians 3 and 4 is underlined. It is now getting difficult to read. That’s okay — because I almost have it memorized.
6) Speaking of memorizing verses, did you know that in the time of Jesus that young children began to memorize the first five books of the Bible when they were five? And, to think, that it takes a long time for me to memorize two chapters. Priorities.
7) That verse in Samuel? That’s a life verse. It’s extremely meaningful to me. It’s date 12/19/05. And written next to it, in shakey hand-writing are the words:
8) Todd’s surgery
9) Almost five years ago. You see, when Todd had his surgery for cancer I was at the hospital all alone. I still cannot figure why I was alone — actually I had with me then baby Caleb — but I was alone. There’s this time when you leave your loved one as they go back to surgery until the time where the surgeon calls you back to discuss the operation. This was written in during the first time. I hadn’t talked to the surgeon. I didn’t know the beast was cancer (although all the tumor-marker tests, ultrasounds, and lab tests were quite indicative of it being so). All I know was that I was alone. And scared. So I prayed. I prayed as I rode the clunky elevator down to the surgery waiting area. I prayed as I clutched the round light-up beeper telling me that the surgeon wanted to speak to me. I prayed. And I asked the Lord for a verse. I knew it seemed foolish — open the Bible to a verse — yet still I prayed. And then my hand gripped that blue leather Bible (without the B at that point) and I simply opened it. To 2 Samuel 22: 2-4
10) And I felt hope. In the midst of a crowded waiting room. While my husband was in surgery. While snowflakes fell, and Caleb nursed. I felt hope. Not from me. Oh, no, not at all. From my Father, our healer.
my faithful and brave boy
11) And that is why 2 Samuel 22:2-4 is a life verse. Someday I will go into why each word speaks to my heart. But, for today, I share the beauty behind the verse. About the Lord meeting me in a hospital waiting room.
12) Now you also know why I have a Samuel.
13) He hears. He truly hears. Why? Because — “Hear I am Lord,” –was my exact prayer on that snowy, Monday morning in December.
God’s blessings on your Monday. Remember to link up to Carissa’s very lovely Miscellany Mondays.
19 comments
This almost made me cry, Rachel. What an amazing, powerful post. I believe I have never read a Miscellany Monday post quite like this one. You brouth a new meaning to the meme. 🙂
Love,
Elizabeth Rose
P.S. The same part of Philippians is underlined in my Bible, too! And we just happened to be reading the SAME verses yesterday in church. Wow. Ironic. 🙂
Oops, I meant “brought” not “brouth.” Oh, typos. 🙂
thanks for sharing…I needed to remember today who my REFUGE is…I’m at the cancer center right now waiting for blood work results to see if I need a blood transfusion…so glad the hosptial has wifi 🙂
GREAT miscellany! I love the idea of dating when it’s underlined…that will have such meaning. How blessed that God gave you this verse and that you’ve held onto it…and now have a sweet Samuel. Thank you for sharing.
beautifully written…
and just the verse i needed today as i struggle with my sisters battle with cancer.
thank you for this encouraging reminder.
chasity
what a great post, you almost made me cry…thanks so much for sharing! and what a great verse!
This is absolutely beautiful Rachel. It ministered to my heart greatly.
Thank you for sharing, what a beautiful reminder!
Aww Rachel.. I LOVE that 2 Samuel 22:2-4 has such meaning for you and that God spoke to you through that verse in such a real and powerful way.
You really are a Philippians gal, aren’t you? Once in high school at chapel I listened to someone recite the entire book of Philippians, so it CAN be done! : )
oh, momma. you made me cry.
this is the all time BEST misc. monday post. ever. God is so faithful and it’s so evident in your life. #3 – is so sweet… what wisdom on perspective. and what an amazing verse full of such hope, promise and comfort. it is crazy to me that you were alone during todd’s surgery… but i guess if there was a crowd with you, you might have missed out on that sweet time with the Lord. it’s weird that i can look back to 12/19/05 and remember exactly where i was because it was our first wedding anniversary. if only i knew you then. caleb baby looks so cute, oh, and samuel boy too! God has been so faithful to your AMAZING family! praise His name for His goodness!!!
i hope the Lord has blessed you on this monday. you have such beautiful faith… i always admire your heart and learn so much from your honest posts. i’m thankful for your friendship… it’s a gift from the Lord!
What a precious post and such a blessing!
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing!
~Many blessings
Dorcas
Praying in Seattle!
Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Prayer Bears
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For some reason, I keep following you and it keeps going away – that’s twice now. I realized today that your blog wasn’t coming up on my dashboard – so I’m following you AGAIN! ha!
Okay – going to get caught up.
Love you.
Lynnette
This did make me cry! Your words spoke directly to my heart and yes He is our refuge always. Really this is the most beautiful post- it speaks of so much hope and love. You are just a sweet sweet blessing 🙂
I do the same thing. I highlight, underline, circle, box thing in, until you can barely read the thing! But I love God’s Word. It moves me and it is my Bread of Life. I would starve without it.
Stopping by to let you know you’re still in my prayers!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
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What comfort these words give! Praying!
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
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