A Verse For The Year

Posted by Marybeth | 0 comments

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (II Peter 1:4)

Every year I claim a verse for the year. This verse is usually something that has been a recurring theme in my life, or a verse that keeps popping up inexplicably. After prayer and consideration, I determine that this verse is mine for the year and claim it as my theme or promise for the next 365 days. I try to post it somewhere prominent, write it in my journal and meditate on it often. This verse is between me and God. It is His word for me, personally, based on what I am facing or dealing with in my life.

One year my verse was “And Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) That year I knew God was challenging me to treasure all these things—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Another year my verse was “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (I John 4:18) That year I knew we were in for a rocky road, but I was not to be afraid. That year I had to learn to lean into God’s perfect love for me.

This year my verse is “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) This is a very common verse, but I find that people tend to omit the last four words. They will often say “I can do all things through Him!” But the key to this verse, I am discovering, is the “who gives me strength” part. This doesn’t speak of some supernatural occurrence, a doling out of major miracles or divine intervention. Instead it speaks of our ability to do all things because we have His strength to rely on, to lean into, to experience renewal through every day. I can speak respectfully to my husband because He daily strengthens me to do so. I can persevere in my calling to homeschool my kids, even when I face opposition and doubt, because He renews my strength moment by moment. I can pursue my dreams because I know He will strengthen me as I do. I will not grow weak. I will not fall. His strength is a renewable resource, limitless and constant. I plan to cling to this verse and to learn all I can about what His strength is through reading His word this year.

As we head into a new year, prayerfully consider claiming a verse for the year. Maybe it will be one of the verses I mentioned, or maybe God has a special one just for you. Pray specifically that God would lead you to the verse He has for you this year. Write the verse down and journal whatever God brings to mind. Put this somewhere you can come back to. Add to your journal throughout the year, then return to what you have written on December 31st. Reflect on how this verse has been an encouragement to you and helped you grow closer to God.

I would love for you to leave comments as to what “your verse” is going to be this year!

Marybeth Whalen is homeschooling mom to six children ranging in age from teen to toddler, as well as a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In her writings, she addresses things like burnout, dealing with interruptions, and handling homeschooling from a very practical perspective. Be sure to visit her blog, Cheaper by the Half Dozen.