More Words You Live By - Here are readers' favorite Bible verses that we couldn't share in the magazine.

“Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid …” (Matthew 14: 27) —Submitted by Merna L. Snay of Haven, Kansas, who says:

Our family made a signed block quilt for my granddaughter with this verse. God is a source of strength in troubled times.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) —Submitted by Floyd Grothman of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, who says:

In 2004, Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School, Mosinee, was targeted to open. The new administrator, Jim Rawlings, had come from Texas with this verse as his banner. The Holy Spirit led central Wisconsin Lutherans to grasp the same banner with glad assurance. That promised “future” has seen the student body grow, the faculty expand and the association congregations increase in number.

For estate purposes, my wife and I adopted WVLHS as our sixth child. Each January we send individual checks with Thrivent Giving Plus® forms. Thus $1,200 becomes $1,800. The Spirit works in wonderful ways.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) —Submitted by Beverly Lapp of Laurens, New York, who says:

When friends or relatives of various religions tell me what my denomination requires, the above verse is my answer. It’s straightforward, simple and kept me steadfast in my faith through the deaths of my two husbands and the frustrations that everyday living can bring to any of us. It’s my blessed assurance.

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) —Submitted by Fern Siebenbruner of Mankato, Minnesota, who says:

This Bible verse has always started my day, each morning, and puts me in a very thankful and blessed state of mind to face each challenge that may be mine. This verse is also on the egg cartons at our local grocery store. Isn’t it wonderful?

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them.” (Psalm 145: 18–19) —Submitted by Alvera Jacobs of Waterloo, Illinois, who says:

This was my confirmation verse in 1945. As I grow older, it’s very comforting to know you can call upon the Lord and He always hears you. The Lord is the silent listener and gives strength to the weary soul. We know the Lord hears every prayer and will one day take us to our Heavenly home.

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) —Submitted by Janice Hayman of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, who says:

Because I have grandchildren who are involved in various sports at school, I impress upon them this verse.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) —Submitted by Margaret Greschner of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, who says:

This is very comforting to me. I have been a widow for 20 years and do get lonely at times. I have three fine sons and their families, and that helps. But the greatest help is this Bible verse and many others. They give me so much comfort and peace, knowing that we’re never alone. He is always answering our prayers, no matter how big or little they are. I see that every day.

“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) —Submitted by Beverly Ehrnschwender of Salem, Oregon, who says:

These words so comforted me during the long illness of my dear husband and his subsequent death. I still rely on these words today.

“The angel of the Lord encampeth ’round about them that fear Him and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7) —Submitted by Barbara Green of Wixom, Michigan, who says:

I can’t see angels around about me, but I know they’re there because God said they’re there. They stay with me and deliver me from troubles—troubles I can and can’t see. Many times the angels have alerted me to danger or protected me from it. We don’t worship them, but I thank God for them, and their help in my life. When you think you’re alone, remember: There are angels around you, and the Holy Spirit living within you, and you are not alone.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to Him.” (Psalm 28:7) —Submitted by Irma Stephan of Mt. Orab, Ohio, who says:

We depend on God to give us strength. He’s our protector, and we can trust in Him who helps us daily and give Him thanks.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) —Submitted by Darlyce Sandrock of San Francisco, California, who says:

I cling to and claim this verse when I face challenges in my life, such as the death of loved ones, illnesses, relocations, job challenges, etc. The apostle Paul found strength in this verse, and I do also. It brings comfort and strength for whatever roads we travel.

“Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”  (1 Kings 19:18 NRSV) —Submitted by Patricia Richter of Silver Spring, Maryland, who says:

I realize that this passage requires some context. Elijah is fresh from his triumph over the pagan prophets and the miraculous return of rain to drought-stricken Israel. But instead of adulation, his reward is a fatwa from the enraged queen (vv.2-3). Elijah flees for his life, although he seems to think that his life no longer has much value: “O Lord, now take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors” (v.4). God instead provides sustenance and sends him to Mt. Horeb and the famous encounter in “sheer silence” (vv.12ff). 

I can still remember, as a child, how shocked I was that a prophet would actually give voice to something that sounded like a suicidal thought. God’s response is not comforting, but rather delivers concrete instructions that are a reminder of a prophet’s calling, and then, at the end, comes this revelation. Elijah is not alone, despite his complaint; there is an unseen company of the faithful.

Elijah is not alone, and neither am I. Step up, and out, to where God calls. The 7,000 may not be obvious, but they are there.

Note: Views expressed in these letters are not necessarily those of Thrivent magazine or Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.