May 13, 2013

those little books.

whiteflowers
I'm going through and reading all of those little books in the Old Testament that come right before the New Testament (i.e. Nahum, Zephaniah, Malachi, Micah, etc.). I'm sure they have a different name other than how I've identified them, but I've actually enjoyed reading them. They're short little books with verses that I have actually really loved reading and rediscovering.

Last week, I read through Habakkuk, and couldn't get this verse out of my mind:

Fig trees may no longer bloom, or vineyards produce grapes;
olive trees may be fruitless, and harvest time a failure;
sheep pens may be empty, and cattle stalls vacant—
but I will still celebrate 
because the LORD God saves me.
The LORD gives me strength.

He makes my feet as sure as those of a deer,
and he helps me stand on the mountains.

There's something about that "but" that really gets me. And no, it's not because I think that word is funny--I'm not that childlike, friends. Rather, it's a reminder to me that even though I may feel empty and see emptiness around me, I can change my perspective and know that God can and is the only one who can truly fill me up.

Well, that and my mom's cooking. 

Happy Monday, friends! What verse has been working on your heart lately?

12 comments

  1. Perfect verse for this season I am in.
    Thank you.

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    1. It was perfect for me, too--so no problem at all!

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  2. ah yes...praise.
    This is absolute truth. Definitely something i needed to read today!
    I love Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one will will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; HE will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing" (esv)

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    1. I just read that book last week and I'm pretty positive that I underlined that same exact verse. Such a good one. :)

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  3. I agree. Those books are so rich with truth and the love of God! :-) (And here's my Bible College nerdiness coming out - they're called the Minor Prophets or the Book of the Twelve.) Haha.

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    1. I thought that's what they were called! I had heard that and I think I read it, too but I wasn't sure and didn't want to pass on false information. And yes, those books are definitely full of truth! I personally think they're overlooked--at least that was the case with me. :)

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  4. I love those verses, Kiki! A year or so I was really struggling with the "bad things" that were happening and I found myself face-to-face with those same verses. And I was challenged to re-write the passage, so that instead of fig trees and vines...it read "bad things" that were applicable to ME personally - "should I never be wanted or desired, should I be single forever, should my health decline, should something happen to my family, (etc)...even yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Definitely brought it home to me in oh-so personal way!

    Thanks for the encouragement and reminder this morning, friendie! I hope you have a great week! I'm praying for you this morning!

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    1. SUCH A GOOD IDEA. Love that one and may have to do the same next time I find myself really struggling.

      And thanks for the prayer! It's such a comfort to know that I'm not alone in my walk with Him. Let me know if you'd ever like me to pray for something in particular for you! :)

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  5. I loveeee that verse! I love when God shows you a verse and it's exactly what you need to hear!

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    1. That is by far the BEST feeling ever. :)

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  6. This has been my favorite verse for many years now. Every time I read it I am reminded that Jesus is my all in all, no matter what season He leads me to and through. I will sometimes make my own rendition of the verse. For example, during my undergrad for nursing, I would say "Even if I don't get the clinical sites I have been hoping for, even when I fail a Pharmacology exam, even if I don't have any time to spend with my loved ones because I am stuck in a lonely library on a date with my 10-pound Medical-Surgical textbook . . . still I will praise the Lord". It seems silly, but it has helped me put my worries into perspective of how great Jesus is.

    Elena

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    1. It's a good verse, isn't it? And I'm so grateful that you read this post + commented on it because it was a verse that I needed to read again. And I love that you made it your own and added in things from your own life. I think that that really makes it that much more applicable and real. I might have to try that sometime! :)

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