A Good Word

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. – Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 

What are your go-to scripture passages?  

Yes, it can be hard to choose just one, but do you have even one? 

When I was lying flat on my back in an ambulance after having been hit by a car, I found myself reciting portions of the 23rd Psalm. 

When it feels like the world is falling apart (which happens a lot these days), I often turn to Psalm 46, adapting the ancient language to reflect the details of the latest destabilizing development.  

When my car broke down in the middle of nowhere and my dog and I were at risk of heat exhaustion, Psalm 121 gave me hope. 

When I don’t know how or what to pray, I remember Paul’s encouragement to the Christians in Rome: that the Spirit knows the right words and will surely offer them on our behalf. 

I’ve found comfort and strength in many verses and phrases, some in the Bible and some not. I remember the former hostages and prisoners of war who said snatches of scripture and poetry kept them grounded through years of isolation and confinement. 

Here’s the thing: It doesn’t matter what your anchor scripture is. What matters is that you have something—almost anything—to remind you that you are not alone, to assure you there is someone you can trust, to ground you in what is always solid and forever true, to shine a light that reveals the next step on your journey.  

Don’t know where to start looking? Ask someone else who’s searching for meaning, comfort, or just a good word.  

Prayer
For good words that keep us going, we praise you.

About the Author
Vicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, in Amherst, Massachusetts, and a spiritual director.