Words of My Mouth; Meditation of My Heart. Some “go-to” verses

I reached for my Bible as I sipped the hot coffee. Thank you, God, for awakening me early before anyone else is up. My mind, already abuzz with its never ending “to-do” list must be reined in – in Silence before the noise of a busy day.

Where would I begin? My Bible fell open to the tattered edge of Psalm 19, a familiar Scripture. The faded underlining and notes jotted in the border reminded me of God’s intimate voice, speaking to me personally over the years. Each comment or colored line stirred up memories from the past. I smiled as one of my “go-to” verses seemed to pop off the page. Its rich newness this morning juxtaposed itself against the worn paper. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” I spoke Psalm 19:14 aloud. No need to read those words; they embedded themselves in my heart well over 50 years ago.

“Great is Thy Faithfulness, oh God my Father.” The familiar hymn flowed through my mind and heart in worship. Yes, God again spoke through His Word. Your Word is truly new every morning. Thank you, God.

I slowly turned the pages. Underlined verses leapt from the pages in comfort and promise. God’s Word, although as old as time itself, spoke to me as clearly and personally today as they had year after year, season upon season. My go-to verses.

The “go-to” office worker is that dependable staff member who will definitely get the job done. I prepare my “go-to” recipes at a moment’s notice. The ingredients for these quick and easy recipes are always in the pantry, the recipe is memorized from years of use, and I know dishes will be tasty and colorful. My “go-to” clothing consists of my jeans and a comfortable V-neck sweater. Dress it up or dress it down. I laugh: this world’s “favorites” change over time, when jeans give way to stretch pants, or a tasty new recipe comes to the forefront. Yet, God’s Word never changes. Never fades. Never fails.

 A Little Bit More …

• List and meditate on five “go-to” verses for yourself. Memorize them. 

• Check out your closet’s “go-to” clothing. Donate anything else. 

• Sort out your “go-to” recipes. Stock up on the necessary ingredients, so you’ll always be ready for a quick meal or dessert.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)