Sharing with you five aspects of the Bible I reference in my life daily and the tools I use to help myself deal with life's tough situations. I view the Bible as a playbook for life.
What got me to start reading the Bible again- I've been a Christian since I was less than 10 years old, but until recently I'd viewed reading the Bible as a chore. Over the past few years, social media has helped me get to know the Bible in a new way. When I started liking Bible reels and posts, it changed my algorithm to one that constantly is teaching me about the Bible and that content was a launching point for me to start reading the New Testament (still in progress). Social posts got me so hooked, I ended up purchasing a new physical Bible. Instagram encouraged me to find a Bible with a translation I enjoy reading and in the past year, I have been reading my Bible more than ever.
What's more, I have learned to apply the Bible to my life in a way that's helped me get through tough situations, like bad days at work, my fertility battle, toxic relationships and disagreements.
After my experience, I wanted to share with you 5 Bible Verses That Changed My Life. Reading these verses has caused me to change behavior and has helped me develop tools for dealing with the things life throws at you each day. I hope these resonate with you too.
5 Bible Verses that Changed My Life
1.) 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."
1.) God has a plan for your life- 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."
Verse meaning: Many people wonder what the purpose of life is. The Bible tells us that God created each and every one of us with specific purpose and plan for our life on earth.
How it applies to life today: In a world that puts a lot of emphasis on fame, career and status, it's easy to get discouraged when we go through times in life where we feel a little lost. Knowing that God created us with a plan and purpose can help us realize that our life matters and that we have a calling. It also means that we should respect others, because every person around us is meant to be here and is a part of the plan.
Tools to help with finding your purpose: Realize that struggles and difficult times can actually be God's way of moving you out of a situation, protecting you from harm or giving you experience to prepare you for your life's purpose. Remember this especially when dealing with rejection, difficult people or loss. Your struggle may end up helping you to serve others in some capacity or could be setting you up for a breakthrough. If you don't know what direction to go in your life, you should pray to God to help you find your calling. In prayer, ask him to show you the way and to make your paths straight.
An example from my life: After leaving my career after almost 20 years, this verse has been important. I am trying to find my new identity and knowing God has a plan for me reminds me that He knows what's best for me. I didn't expect to ever leave the news business, I never expected to have twin girls either! God's best is often bigger and better than we can imagine for ourselves. I look at my future full of hope and excitement because as time goes on, God continues to show himself in my life more and more.
2.) Genesis 19:26 But Lot's wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt
2.) Never look back- Genesis 19:26 But Lot's wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt
Verse meaning: In this story God tells Lot and his wife to leave town to save their lives. God was going to burn down Sodom and Gomorrah where sin was rampant. His only command, DON'T LOOK BACK. Lot's wife disobeyed. While fleeing, she looked back at her old home as it was going up in flames and was turned into a pillar of salt. It is said that Lot's wife looked back because she didn't really want to leave her old lifestyle and was more focused on her old friends than the new hope God offered.
How it applies to life today: Sometimes we don't move forward in life because we can't get unstuck from our current environment. Maybe you can't get out of a relationship you know you need to move on from. Perhaps you are comfortable in a job, but you know it's time to find something new. Or like Lot's wife, maybe you are in a sinful environment that could lead to your detriment. We can't move into our life's purpose if we stay stuck in a situation we know isn't God's best for us or if we refuse to move on from something, someplace or someone. If you keep looking back, you could miss meeting the love of your life, your dream job or the moment you've been waiting for. If you get keep looking back, like Lot's wife, you could get stuck somewhere you were never meant to stay.
Tools to deal with getting stuck in the past: If you struggle with the past, the first step is recognizing that focusing on the past too much is sinful. God doesn't want us living in the past! He calls us to keep our eyes forward focused, to stay present and take things one day at a time. When you catch yourself lamenting on the past or feeling guilty about something you did a long time ago, stop yourself! If you find yourself constantly dealing with the same feeling or problem, make a plan of action to make a change. First decide what you need to let go of. Then, make a plan for what's next. Next, make the change. Having something to look forward to will help you let go of the thing you are trying to rid yourself of. If you have guilt about the past, instead of replaying old situations in your head, focus on what you have changed, what you have learned and pray about it. Recognize that without having made certain mistakes you wouldn't be the person you are today. Maybe you can even help someone with what you've learned on your journey. Realize that the sooner you rip off the Band-aid, and shed what's not meant for you, the sooner you will walk into your life's purpose. Once you make the change, don't look back.
An example from my life: My biggest struggle with this is forgiving myself for bad choices in the past. If I ever catch myself thinking on past mistakes, I think about how grateful I am that my past mistakes did not ruin my life, that God saw me through it and that those bad choices will serve as lessons and testimony for my kids and loved ones going forward.
3.) Matthew 6:34 "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow for today has enough troubles of its own."
3.) Worrying & Anxiety- Matthew 6:34 "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow for today has enough troubles of its own."
Verse meaning: Worrying isn't just bad for your mental health, it's also a sign of a lack of faith. God calls on us not to worry, but to give all of our worries and anxieties to him and to let him deal with it.
How these verses apply to life today: The pressures of this life can cause us to be filled with worry and anxiety. Worry about money, our job, our family members and the news cycle can be stressful enough to cause depression and physical illness. It's also often a waste of time! Worrying wears you down, but changes nothing. When you realize worrying goes against what God calls us to do, it's easier to catch yourself and stop.
Tool for dealing with worrying and anxiety: The best tool for dealing with worry is prayer. When you catch yourself full of anxiety or worry, stop and pray on the spot. It doesn't matter if you are at work, in the car, or sitting in a room full of people, just pray. You don't have to close your eyes and fold your hands to pray. If you need to pray you can talk to God in your head, anywhere, anytime. Pray to God about your situation and tell Him what you need. Pray constantly and as much as you need to. Dealing with worry and anxiety through prayer can completely transform your life.
There are several verses in the Bible where God calls on us to trust Him and pray about what's worrying us and causing us anxiety:
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
Psalms 55:22 "Give your worries to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down."
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
Luke 11:9 "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you."
Making prayer a constant part of your life will help you not to worry, to have less anxiety and will help God work in your life. If you stay in faith, believe and ask God he often answers our prayers in amazing ways.
An example from my life: Worry and anxiety was a big problem for me when I was working in news. I would grind my teeth at night and have nightmares constantly. It took about a year for that to go away after I left my job. Prayer was what got me through that time period. I would pray for guidance on news stories I was covering, I would pray at my desk and I would pray driving to news stories. Any time I got anxious I would pray it out. I still do this. If you see me zoning out, I am probably praying!
4.) Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.; against such things there is no law."
4.) Fruits of the Spirit- Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.; against such things there is no law."
Verse meaning: I love this verse because it simply explains the character attributes of living a Godly life. In this world it's easy to get lost on how we should react to things. The fruit of the spirit is a good reminder of how we should strive to behave on a daily basis.
How it applies to life today: The world tells us it's better to live in excess and that it's powerful to be rich, aggressive and outspoken. We can't turn on the TV without seeing people fighting or arguing in an effort to get us riled up. It's better to turn that noise off! All of that goes against what the Bible tells us. Galatians 5:19-21 lays out "acts of the flesh" which are the character attributes that are the polar opposite of the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 says, "The acts of flesh are obvious: sexual immorality and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like."
Tools for life: If you are in a tough situation the 'fruit of the spirit' can help you determine if there is something you should change. Is your relationship full of love and joy? If not, maybe it's not the right relationship. If you are in constant arguments, ask yourself, was I being patient and gentle? Looking at the fruit of the spirit can help us see our own faults and humble ourselves. It can also help us make decisions to leave situations we shouldn't be apart of.
An example from my life: Over my time working in news I picked up some negative character traits. I became a person who was constantly swearing and aggressive, sometimes living in a cloud of negativity. Deadline pressure and being overworked can do that to a person, but it's really no excuse. When I read this verse it was a reminder that self control is strength. If I can't control the words out of my mouth I can't control much of anything. Gentleness is really the ultimate flex. It's a lot easier to be aggressive than it is to be calm and gentle. The ultimate power is the ability to be in a good mood when everything is difficult and stressful. For a while I had it all wrong, and while I am still working on myself, this Bible verse helped me do a lot of self realization!
5.) Proverbs 20:3 "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only a fool insists on arguing."
5.) Be the Bigger Person- Proverbs 20:3 "Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only a fool insists on arguing."
Verse meaning: It seems like the world almost encourages petty arguing. Turn on the TV and it's filled with reality TV shows where the entire premise is watching people fight over nonsense. When we consume this stuff it trickles into our lives. We also see this in our politics. Turn on the news and we see constant squabbles that rarely result in any real change. The Bible is clear when it comes to arguments. Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor. God calls on us to try and resolve conflict and to take the high road rather than trying to prove a point. The Bible calls on us to choose our battles carefully, to resolve conflict peacefully and to avoid petty squabbles. A peacemaker is considered wise, while a hot tempered person is considered a fool. The Bible also calls on us to forgive others. If you are unable to let go after someone does you wrong, you may want to take a look at how you are handling the situation. God sees everything and will take care of the wrongdoings against you. Instead of fighting back, calmly state your case and let him handle the rest. Exodus 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
How it applies to life today: We live in a time where we are constantly hearing other people's opinions and where people have no problem telling each other off behind their computer screens.
Tools for life: Memorizing this verse could really help change your life, especially if you are someone who has a problem with trying to hit other people's nerves and always trying to prove your point. If you are guilty of firing off memes on social media that you know are going to anger people who don't share your views, stop and think before you post. Consider whether posting something mean is really going to help people come to your side or push them further away. Will you be proud of yourself for posting that in 5 years? Also consider this when it comes to arguments. Sometimes agreeing to stop an argument is the way to go.
An example from my life: A relative of mine came to me about some family drama and I shared this Bible verse with her. Life is too short to be getting into dumb arguments with family, friends and strangers. When you get mad and get the urge to just speak your mind, remember that resisting the urge is a mark of honor!
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