One Or Two Verses A Day
One or Two Verses a Day
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD.
(2 Chronicles 20:3A)
Thought for the Day: God’s words are so rich, so penetrating, and so intentionally placed, I don’t want to rush past a powerful few in an effort to get through a whole chapter.
Have you ever felt pressure to read more in order to have a better quiet time?
I don’t think more always equals better.
Sometimes, truly, less is more.
For example, one of the messages I’m speaking at conferences right now is about King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20). I love the first three words of verse 3, “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved …” Right within those three words is a message that will preach—and should preach—to me all day long.
A message in three words, you ask?
Yes, ma’am.
I love how Jehoshaphat’s name is book-ended in two opposite words.
“Alarmed” is how he was feeling.
“Resolved” is how he responded to his situation despite his feeling.
Jehoshaphat had just found out that three countries were banding together to fight against his smaller army. Yes, he should have felt alarmed. But what inspires me is his ability not to react out of his alarm. He stayed resolved, “resolved to inquire of the Lord.” In other words, his feelings were an appropriate indicator of what he was facing but not a dictator for his reaction.
Here’s the message that preaches to me: “My feelings should be an indicator of my situation but never a dictator of my reaction.”
This applies to my eating and weight struggles. It applies to my relationship struggles. It applies to so many struggles.
I want to be resolved — resolved to inquire of the Lord. So, though my quiet time might consist of just three words, pondering how to be resolved will linger in my thoughts all day. And it will surely change my reactions, my words, and my thoughts.
How might the same thing happen when you unearth some of God’s treasures tucked within just a few of His words? I’ve unearthed a lot of verses that relate to satisfying our deepest desire with God, not food. But there are more to be discovered. Find them! And then relate them to what you are facing today. Here are some great verses to get you started:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1 – 2)
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7)
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians
6:16)
They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:20)
Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22)
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. (Hebrews 11:7a)
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
What treasures did you discover among these Scriptures? Write them down and consider the individual meaning of each and the collective meaning of the statement as a whole. Then spend the day pondering the personal message God has for you.
Dear Lord, I love Your Word. I love the simple but very profound verses listed on this page. Help me to see You in each word. Help me to understand Your truth and to live it out today. I am Your child and I am dearly loved. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
From the book
