When I woke up this morning, I looked around and thanked God because all was well. My husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends were all right. I said, ‘Lord this is a new day and I am eager to see the good things you have created for me.’ God’s promises have always amazed me. Below are some of my favorite bible verses.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” If God has given us all three of those things, what more could we ask for?

• James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Sometimes there are things I do not understand. It is in those times that I just pray for clarity and ask God for wisdom and understanding.

• Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Here the Lord is telling us to be strong and have courage no matter what comes upon us because He’s always there.

• Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” There are times when instead of leaning on God I try to handle situations on my own. In those times my mind is troubled and things don’t turn out right, but when I hand it over to God and let Him navigate the waters, I am at peace because I know that everything will be all right.

• 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” He forgives and cleanses me as I confess my sins to Him.

• Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” This is the promise of God. God won’t lie to us because God cannot lie.

• John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” I read a story many years ago about a little boy that was homeless and hungry. He met a man that told him to go to a place and recite John 3:16.

The little boy was puzzled but he was cold and hungry and he need warmth and food, so he went to the place and recited John 3:16. The boy was welcome with opened arms. After the little boy had eaten, he wanted to know what was so special about John 3:16. The lady explained the meaning of John 3:16. The little boy was happy to know God loved him so much that He died for him. Just like that little boy, we know that God died for us also. God has given us everlasting life, and this life is in His Son.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The Dispatch. She can be reached at ABoxofLoveKVD@gmail.com