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?
Neat post! My "life verse" has been from Isaiah 43:1-3:
ReplyDelete...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...
ReplyDelete