Many people who follow Jesus have what they call a "life verse" - a portion of scripture that carries great meaning for them. Mine for example, is Jeremiah 29:11: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."We'd just moved and I was on the lookout for artwork for our new home. While browsing through the church bookstore, something behind the checkout counter caught my eye. It was a black, rectangular picture frame that had some sort of verse in the middle. I leaned WAY OVER trying to read what it said but the only thing I could make out was Jeremiah 29:11. I wasn't familiar with the verse and thought I'd look it up while waiting to pick my son up from preschool (the plan was to work on Bible study homework at a small table just outside the bookstore). I sat down and dug up Jeremiah 29:11. "That's nice," I thought, though it really held no special meaning for me. It was time to launch into my homework; I opened the workbook to where I'd last left off and the question before me was:
In what way do we need to seek God? (Jer. 29:11-13)
Now that caught my attention! It felt as if the Lord were speaking directly to me... that this verse was extremely important. Although I wasn't sure how the hubby would feel about it as our first piece of artwork, I decided to go ahead and purchase the frame anyway.
Little did I know the significance this verse would come to hold for me.
In the months that followed, I suffered two more complicated miscarriages. As I faced the possibility of never having another child, I clung to God's promise to me for hope and a future. I made the choice to trust Him, to trust His plan for my life no matter what that meant. It was during that tender time I learned the true meaning of surrender.
That is how it became my life verse.
Journaling Ideas: Do you have a "life verse"? If so, share your story on paper. If not, you could create a page about your "BirthVerse" (thanks for the tip, Mellissa!) - look up yours by clicking HERE. What significance does this verse hold for you? How is God using this verse to speak to you?
2 comments:
Neat post! My "life verse" has been from Isaiah 43:1-3:
...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
My birth verse from the link you posted is: Proverbs 4:25 NIV
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
I would say this is my dad's life verse-every morning that he would wake us up, he'd come into our room proclaiming this:
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I so identify him with that verse, but didn't realize it would make a good scrapbook page until now! He'd say that and then turn on the overhead light and I'd moan and groan as the light hurt my eyes! A morning person, I was not!
What a wonderful idea for a page! I especially like hearing about your reaction - too funny but so typical for a kid. I love your life verse...
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