How do I Choose a Life Verse?

Many people choose a special Bible verse they have found to be greatly encouraging in their faith journey. Maybe they read it during a time of discouragement. Or, perhaps, the verse played a significant role in their conversion or early Christian growth. Others return to a verse repeatedly to find direction in the Christian life or an assurance of the Lord’s faithfulness. Taking hold of such verses is something people do freely, and there is no obligation for you to choose one.

If you wish to identify such a verse, I would suggest seeking one that reveals something about God, offers you instruction, or reminds you of the hope you have in Christ. I know many people who have chosen Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This verse reveals God as the one who empowers us to do His will. For the apostle Paul, that meant being content whether in need or with plenty. A verse like this can become invaluable to a believer experiencing prolonged job loss, the stress of long-term elder care, a decrease in household income, or the burden of waiting for a wayward child to yield to faith in Christ.

More important than choosing a life verse is the practice of memorization and faithful Bible reading. The Lord has given us the fullness of Scripture in order for us to hear His voice in every aspect of our lives. You would do well, therefore, to begin memorizing portions of Scripture, such as the Sermon on the Mount. Memorizing lengthy passages may seem a huge challenge, but if you memorize a verse a day, you will have this memorized in four months. You will be strengthened for a lifetime by hiding God’s Word in your heart (Ps. 119:11).