“But thou, O Lord art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head”
(Ps. 3:3 KJV).
PERSONALIZING THE PROMISES OF GOD
One day my eldest daughter told me, “Mom when you die, I want your Bible as
my inheritance.” Her husband Mark, our son-in-law, kiddingly quipped, “Forget
the Bible; go for the house!” We had a good laugh, but it reminded me afresh of
how precious God’s word is to us. In my Bible I have many notes scribbled,
dates written, and verses underlined. Let me share a few of the promises I have
claimed over the years and noted in my Bible:
FOR OUR MARRIED LIFE: Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (KJV).
FOR THE CHILDREN: Isaiah 54:13, “And all thy children shall be taught of
the Lord: and great shall be the peace of thy children” (KJV).
FOR MY HUSAND: Ephesians 1:17-19, “That the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of him; The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that
ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of
his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power” (KJV).
In my Bible, alongside Psalm 3:3 (the verse at the top of this devotional), I have
written “this is the will of God concerning you.” The second part of the
verse—“and the lifter up of mine head”—is underlined with red pencil many
times. How well I remember—even after the passing of many years—the agony,
tears, and humiliation I felt when the Lord gave me this promise. Because of a
very difficult situation, I was convinced I could never lift up my head again. As
I searched the scriptures for comfort, the Lord showed me this verse. Friends,
when the Lord lifts up your head, nothing or no one can put it down again! He
did lift up my head. As you read God’s word, get a red pencil and read until you
have a promise for today. Mark it well, for you never know who might inherit
your Bible someday, and God will use those red marks in their lives as well.
Mark your Bible and it will mark you.
