Starting with Scripture
by Abby Hawkins
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Back to school week has arrived, and it’s affecting everyone on our staff. I imagine that is the case for all of you as well. Maybe you have a spouse who teaches—or a child who teaches like I do. Maybe you have kids, grandkids, or siblings starting a new school year. Or maybe you don’t have a connection to starting back to school at all, but it’s going to affect you too because traffic is fixing to get much worse.
Either way, the start of the school year usually means a shift in rhythm and pace.
Almost like at New Year’s, when these rhythms change, I tend to feel like I’m making a fresh start and reflect a little about what I may want to do differently “this year.” One thing I tend to go back to is memorizing Scripture. I wish I had more of God’s Word hidden in my heart.
I want to know Scripture I can call to mind in the middle of a real day (at 2:00 on a Tuesday afternoon, as my pastor would say)—when I’m distracted, stressed, tempted, or unsure what to do next. If God’s Word equips us “for every good work,” then it’s meant to shape us in the everyday moments of work, family, relationships, and decision making. That includes the work we do at home, in school or at the office, in our relationships, and yep, even on the road.
A few years ago, my very wise friend John sent me a list of passages that he encouraged me to commit to memory. He called it his Toolbox. He told me to write them on notecards and keep them in my car and then when I’m stuck in traffic – and y’all, we’re all fixing to be! – to run through them and work on committing them to memory. About a year or so later, I had a moment of anxiety about the day ahead while I was in morning traffic. And there were my verses. I thought I might share the ones that helped me that morning with the notes John gave me about each passage. Maybe one or two of these might become part of your own “toolbox” for this new season.
When you’re anxious about the future
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
John’s note: You do not know the overall plan but He does. We get stressed because we try too hard to figure out the future rather than trusting.
When you need direction
“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” – Psalm 143:8
John’s note: Ask for God’s direction. Not just in the morning, but all through the day in every situation ask for directions, like a football player looks to the Coach and asks for the play. God is pleased with us when we do this. Just like you would be if your child did this to you. “Mom, Dad, what should I do?” Don’t you know you could offer direction? So can God.
When you’re wondering if God will really answer
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:3
John’s note: Trust that God will answer. Listen and you will hear. God is always broadcasting. We just need to tune in.
When you’re worried about pleasing everyone
“For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” – Ecclesiastes 3:26
John’s note: In every situation keep in mind that you have only one person to please – God. Begin every day with the end in mind. During the day as you interact with your spouse, kids, clients, etc., keep this in mind.
If you’re entering a new rhythm right now, consider choosing one verse from this list and starting there.
Write it on a notecard. Put it in your car. Repeat it when you’re driving, waiting, or stuck in traffic. Ask the Lord to press it into your heart and mind so that it comes to you when you need it.
Because God did not give us His Word just to inform us—He gave it to train us, correct us, and equip us for real life.