bible verses to keep:

I started my Bible journaling journey with a simple goal: to find solace and guidance whenever life felt overwhelming. It began with just a blue floral Bible, a grid-paper notebook, a trusty pen, and some colorful highlighters. Little did I know how much of a difference this practice would make in navigating my emotions. One area where journaling has been incredibly impactful is dealing with anger and feelings of injustice. There are times when I've felt wronged, and that urge for 'revenge is mine' can be so strong. But through journaling, I've learned to lean on scriptures that remind me to surrender those feelings. Verses like 'vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay' (Romans 12:19, a concept also found in Deuteronomy 32:35) are powerful reminders that justice belongs to God. When I feel that burning resentment, writing down Proverbs 19:11, James 1:19-20, and Ephesians 4:26 from my notebook's 'ANGER' section helps me pause and process. It's not about ignoring the anger, but about handing it over. I also reflect on verses like Proverbs 6:31, which talks about consequences and restoration, reminding me that there's a divine order at play, even when I can't see it immediately. Journaling these thoughts helps calm my spirit and prevents me from acting rashly. Sadness is another emotion we all face, and it can sometimes feel isolating. I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned everything, even the purpose of my efforts, much like the sentiment in Ecclesiastes 4:8: 'There was a man all alone... There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth... This too is meaningless—a miserable business!' It's a stark reminder that striving without purpose or connection can leave us empty. During these times, revisiting my 'Sadness' section, especially Philippians 4:13 – 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' – becomes a lifeline. Alongside John 16:33 and Jeremiah 29:11, these verses remind me that even in solitude or despair, I'm not truly alone and there's strength available. Writing them out in my grid-paper notebook helps solidify these truths in my heart. Beyond sadness and anger, I also have sections dedicated to LOVE and Thankful verses. For love, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Genesis 1:27-28, and Colossians 3:14 are constant inspirations, reminding me how to love God and others. And for thankfulness, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 107:1, and Ephesians 5:20 keep my perspective aligned, even on challenging days. The act of physically writing these scriptures, highlighting key phrases with my colorful highlighters, and reflecting on their meaning transforms them from mere words on a page into living comfort. It’s not just about memorizing; it’s about internalizing. If you're looking for a way to deepen your faith and manage your emotions, I truly encourage you to start a bible verses journal. It's a simple yet profound practice that provides a tangible source of peace and guidance, helping you build a personal book of strength for every season of life.