The Word for Everyday
I’ve made a habit lately of starting my day with specific verses as a way of “suiting up” for the day. I recently transitioned from being a full-time working mom to being a stay-at-home mom, and if I’m honest, I need the Word of God to use as a weapon. No, not against my kids. Truthfully, against my flesh.
Scripture is a weapon. The Bible actually calls itself a sword (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). Jesus regularly had Scripture on the tip of His tongue ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. When He was tempted by Satan to sin, He spoke Scripture to defend Himself from the attack (Matthew 4:11). When He preached the Sermon on the Mount, He grounded his teaching in truth that came directly from the Torah (Matthew 5). The Bible also tells many accounts of Jesus being asked questions, and we see Him respond with Scripture (Matthew 19:4-6; 17-20; 22:37-39). There is no doubt that Jesus knew the Scriptures, and He used the Scriptures.
I’d love to share really practically how you can remain rooted in truth in the midst of your day. Below are just a few examples of the ones I have on repeat (which, by the way, is helpful because repetition leads to memorization). Of course, you can choose any verse that feels most appropriate or helpful for you.
Psalm 121:1-2 — I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 105:4 — Seek the Lord and his strength; Seek his presence continually!
Ephesians 5:1 — Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 — Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ephesians 6:10-18 — Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
1 Corinthians 13 — Yes, the whole chapter! It’s a great chapter to keep on a regular rotation in your Bible reading. We all need a little reminder of what love looks like, right?
Pick one or two verses or passages and then, it’s very simple, begin your day right there! There are so many ways you could put this into practice in your own life. Here are a few ideas:
Read it.
Speak it aloud.
Listen to it. I personally love the Dwell app (https://dwellapp.io) for listening to Scripture. You can put a passage on repeat and listen to it over and over while you make your morning coffee, load the dishwasher, or drive to work!
Memorize it. — There are so many ways to go about memorizing Scripture. I’ve seen people write the first letter of each word on their wrist so they see it often and rehearse it throughout the day. A shop called Dwell Differently (https://dwelldifferently.com) makes beautiful, temporary tattoos that serve the same purpose. You can make or buy verse cards to hang in areas of your home where you frequent. And you can even download an app like Verses (https://www.getverses.com) to work on Scripture memory anywhere you go.
Whether it is mundane or high pressure, whether you’re stuck inside all day or playing chauffeur, whether you’re caring for sick kids or caring for kids while sick, we all need the truth of God’s Word to be the filter through which we see each moment we’ve been given.
Lindsay is a wife and a mom of three kids. She recently moved from Alaska to Edmond, OK, where her husband is a pastor at Spring Creek Assembly. Lindsay most enjoys family time, reading and writing, baking sourdough bread, and any chance to explore new places with her husband. Lindsay has a monthly newsletter, Planted, which is hope-filled, Scripture-based encouragement for everyday life and practical resources to help you on your journey of knowing God through studying the Bible. She's also a contributing writer for a brand new YouVersion reading plan, Wondered by the Word. Learn more about Lindsay at her website, www.lindsaydryer.com, and follow her on Instagram @lindsaydryer. Hear more from Lindsay on this subject through our podcast Episode 11 of Let's Talk with Sanctuary.
