Many Christians have a “life verse”. This is a special Bible verse that they focus on every day. It’s something they’ve made their own. They cling to it in hard times and difficult challenges.
My personal life verse is Philippians 4:13. From the King James Version, this verse says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. This verse is often used out of context but I won’t get into that today. I’m focusing on why I chose this verse and what it means to me.
Not long after I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became ill and had to go through an intensive series of medical tests. Following after those were multiple surgeries. I was in and out of the hospital many times. This was 20 years ago. Today I still live with these health issues and I struggle with a physical disability. When this first started to happen, I was scared. Newly married, I had the added worry of feeling that I was a burden to my husband, who never once complained. He continues to love and cherish me and still never complains about what I go through. I sometimes still feel like I am a burden even when he assures me that I am not and that he loves me no matter what.
I remember laying in an MRI machine during one particular test. I was feeling anxious, not about being in the machine. I’ve had plenty of MRI’s over the years. I was anxious about these particular test results. At that time, none of my doctors knew what was going on with me and it was the unknown that had me feeling overwhelmed.
As I lay there, I kept telling myself that everything was going to be okay, that I was going to get through this. Over the music that I was listening to through the headphones I was wearing, I said to myself, “I can do this because You are with me, Lord. You are here with me right now in this MRI machine. I have strength because You are giving it me.”
My pep talk to myself led to Philippians 4:13 becoming my life verse. I often personalize it with my name whenever I say it out loud or write it down somewhere. I have several plaques, candles, and other reminders inscribed with this verse around my home. This verse is my lifeline to the Lord.
We must be careful never to worship or glorify a particular verse. Only God deserves worship or glory. He has given us the Bible as an instruction manual for life. He wants us to use it in our daily lives.
Many people say the Bible is archaic and no longer relevant for today’s world. Not true! We need the Bible more than ever. We need to learn from the examples of those people whose lives are written about in God’s Word. We need God’s wisdom and instruction for life. We need the life lessons this amazing book can teach us if we only search for them.
Everyone should have a life verse. We all need a part of the Bible to cling to when times are hard and even when things are great. It’s easy to choose one. It’s okay to have more than one too.
There are hundreds of verses that deal with all kinds of situations that we face. There are verses related to health and well-being, finances, friendship, work, depression, anger, anxiety…the list goes on. Pray to God that He will give you the wisdom you need to find the right verse that fits your particular situation(s). Write it on a sticky note and put it on your fridge, mirror, desk, and so on. Stick it in your Bible, journal, planner, etc. Carry it in your wallet or handbag. Make it a point to memorize it if you haven’t already. You’ll always have it available whenever you need it by memorizing it. Once you have it stored it your heart and mind, you will have it ready for you. It will always be there.
Many people choose a word for the year. I do this but I think it’s more important to have a life verse. Having God’s Word in your heart will help you and give you what you need whenever you need it.
Questions to consider:
Do you have a life verse? Have you considered choosing a life verse?
What particular situation are you dealing with right now?
Can you commit to choosing a life verse and memorizing it so you’ll always have it available to you?
Will you pray and ask God to help you find your life verse today?