I started writing this post on March 31, the day before I went into labor. Well, technically, my labor started around midnight that same day, and our son was born the next afternoon. (Birth story to come!)

The above photo is a set of scripture cards I made to take with me into the delivery room. I was feeling so much anxiety and fear around the birthing process, and some days during my last trimester, it was all I could think about. I tried distracting myself. I read article after article and blog after blog. I watched countless Instagram stories. I texted friends and family all the time, seeking comfort and encouragement. Those are all good things, and yet I still felt unsettled. Ultimately, I knew I had to combat that fear with the truth of scripture.

The week before my due date, I sat down and wrote out these 12 verses. Simply writing them down provided assurance. It reminded me that God’s word is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11). While in the delivery room, I took out the cards at one point and looked them over with Charles. Reading them helped me again set my mind at ease and prepare to birth my son. As I began to push, I felt more confident, strong, and empowered than I had ever before in my life. I know that’s the power of God’s word.

These 12 verses are just a sprinkling of those throughout the Bible that speak to our fears. Read them, read the books they come from for the full context, and memorize them. Let them encourage you in whatever you’re currently walking through.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Luke 12:32

Don't be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:25

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 139:13-14

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Hebrews 2:18

For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Joshua 1:9

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Daniel 10:19

He said, “Don’t be afraid, you who are treasured by God. Peace to you; be very strong!” As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life.

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.

What if I told you that I know of a place where you could find answers to your questions? You could receive encouragement for your struggles? You could find empowerment and equipping and hope for the days ahead?

Now what if I told you that place already exists.

Right here, right now.

It’s called the Bible. It’s the living, breathing, divine word of God, and we can look to it literally any time we want.

The problem is that we don’t. I believe the Bible is truly our biggest untapped resource. We have this book that has been translated and passed down for thousands of years. Men were killed just so we could read the Bible in English. And now we can download it on our phones and computers in any language and any translation we want.

That is a miracle.

“The problem is not that we don’t have access to the Bible. It’s that we don’t access it.”

My pastor delivered those words during church this Sunday, and he is spot-on.

A great example is my own life. I’ve always had the Bible around. I grew up with bibles in my home. I was given different versions of bibles and devotionals over the years: My Personal Promise Bible, Jesus Calling, The Secret Power of Speaking God’s Word. I’d also read my fair share of Christian books and books that referenced the Bible. I liked to pick and choose verses, but I didn’t understand the full context. I didn’t have the full story.

When I went through a breakup, I read a million blog posts about it. When I felt lonely in the midst of singleness and friends moving away, I asked my girlfriends for encouragement. When I wanted to change jobs, I sought out books and Christian career experts.

But I had the best resource of all sitting in front of me untapped the whole time. These other things are not bad, but in light of the Bible, they simply cannot compare. They’re meant to be supplements to the one book that truly gives life—and we aren’t going to experience life without the Bible no matter how many books, podcasts, or blog posts we seek out.

The last year or two marks the first time I really began to read the Bible itself. I’ve almost read the full Bible, and my eyes have finally been opened to how important time in the Word really is.

Don’t let the Bible intimidate you or overwhelm you. This is the living and active word of God. It was made to be opened by you.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that he man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. ”

— 2 Timothy 3:16-17

If you don’t know where to start, take it one step at a time. Try a plan like the F260 or She Reads Truth but don’t feel pressure to read the entire Bible in a year. While doing so is completely possible, trust me when I say it is so much better to read for understanding and application. Don’t try to race through it. Reading the Bible is something to be relished and enjoyed, not simply checked off a to-do list.

I used to treat it like a task, and honestly, I didn’t get much out of it. So take your time.

As John Piper says, “You are launching on a lifetime of Bible reading, on a lifetime of engaging with God in the Bible.”

Give yourself 20 minutes today to read. Even if you feel distracted or your mind drifts, God will use that time. He’s called you into a relationship with Him. Reading His word will help you get to know Him and talk to Him. It will change your life.

And when you’re ready, start memorizing Scripture. Arm yourself with His words to fight sin and temptation. Put on the full armor of God by knowing what He says about who you are and who He calls you to be!

“This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. ”

— Ephesians 6:12-17

God’s word is the sword of the Spirit, protecting us against any spiritual battle we fight. The more I think about that, the more amazed I am. I have the greatest weapon available to me at all times. You do, too, my friend. Wield it.

I’m new to the Scripture memory journey, but, my goodness, there is something so powerful about being able to know and speak truth when you’re feeling stuck or in the midst of a struggle. It’s equally as helpful when you’re experiencing blessings and gratitude, too. Yet another super awesome part about the Bible: It applies to all seasons of life in all places, at all times. The narrative remains the same.

I could talk all day about how much reading the Bible will impact your life. You don't need me to hear me talk about it, though. You need to read and experience it yourself.

So, go.

Dust off that Bible on the shelf.

Download the app.

Get started. Dig in and devour.

If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life.

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.