I’m not really a “verse of the day” type of person. Don’t misunderstand – I’m not against the “verse of the day”, they’re great. I’m definitely a “read the Bible every day” type of person, and I’m not judging anyone who loves a “verse of the day”. You can hear from God on a verse of the day, honestly. It’s just not my personality – I like a plan, I like a purpose, I like specifics. Anyway, I’m also a YouVersion type of person, and that’s new for me – I don’t know why I resisted it for so long! I love having the Bible on my phone and in my pocket all the time (I’m not giving up my leather-bound NKJV and my Strong’s Concordance, of course – but the YouVersion is pretty great!). When God speaks to us, He considers our unique personalities, and my personality likes a plan!
Even though I’m not really a “verse of the day” type person, the YouVersion has a “verse of the day” that pops up on my phone every morning. Usually by the time it pops up, I’m done with my daily reading but I still like to see it. (I’m an early bird – admittedly, my early mornings are a little ridiculous and obnoxious, but there they are). I’m not expecting much though, from the “verse of the day”. I’ve heard lots of stories about how people just opened their Bible to just the right place (I believe those stories, the Lord can work that way) or how the “verse of the day” spoke to their exact situation. Even though it all seems amazing and coincidental, isn’t the Word of God amazing all by itself? It’s not a coincidence when we read the Bible and receive knowledge, is it?
For the last two days, the “verse of the day” that popped up on my phone have been totally and easily applicable to my life and specific situation. Yesterday’s verse was “God will fight for you” (Exodus 14:14) and today’s verse was “Count on it: everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold—real losers. Those who worked against you will end up empty-handed…. That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you‘ ” (Isaiah 41:13 MSG). Okay, so the second picture is not the “verse of the day”, but stay with me. It’s a picture of a hymnal I have in my family room, and I keep it open to one of my favorite hymns, “In The Garden” – but look at the facing page: “The Savior Can Solve Every Problem“. Coincidence? I think not! (Just kidding!)
Nah, I really think it is coincidence, but the truth is that I really am facing a problem right now. The problem is bigger than I am, and there is an adversary. Honest, I don’t know how I would face it or overcome it without the Lord on my side. The “verse of the day” came in with a little needed reminder. When I was doing housework, the hymnal gave a little reminder as well. I’m going to credit Jesus with these little love notes!
While I am going to credit Jesus for the reminders, I’m not going to start depending solely on the “verse of the day” to pop up on my phone and give me a word from the Lord. I’m going to continue in faithfulness, using the Bible every day as a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NKJV). I’m going to
I’m going to keep these two “verse of the day”s and be strengthened by them. I haven’t heard “The Savior Can Solve Every Problem”, but I’m going to dust off that music degree and put it good use by learning this song. I’m also going to keep Philippians 4:6-7 as a verse of every day: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” I’m going to keep reminding myself that every problem comes with a provision and promise attached (this is a big problem – I’m looking for BIG provision and that could be exciting!).
Depending on the Lord rather than depending on the “verse of the day” is a treasure. I’m praying that you will be purposeful in your study and application of God’s Word. Let the “verse of the day” get you there – let the goodness of the Lord keep you there. The Bible is a treasure with lots of verses and knowledge for every day – and my goodness, I need all of them every day! Maybe you do too?
Pastor Jennifer Spivey, Peoples Church Winter Haven