Living Life Through Scripture

Your Exclusive Guide to Finding Your Life Verse

As we approach the year’s end, this final quarter has us doing double duty. If you’re anything like me, you are trying to finish the year off strong and prepare for the upcoming year. Double duty! But, believe it or not, this is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve already purchased next year’s planner and have been prepping, planning, and working towards a growth plan for next year. This process includes prayer and a strategy aligned with my life mission statement guided by my life verse.

Have you ever wondered what a life verse was—or how to find yours? Well, not to worry – you’re not alone!

What is a Life Verse?

In short, a “life verse” is a Bible verse or even a tiny passage of inspirational scripture that speaks to your heart directly and intimately. The verse leaps off the page every time you read it. You can picture when a pen was put to paper to write this message, which was just for you. Yeah, one of those verses.

Do you have it? Fantastic! Please write it down. 

Still, waiting to get it? That’s okay. Let’s work together to discover it. First, I pray the Lord will uncover your purpose through scripture and reveal your life verse as you find His purpose. Before you begin, please understand that this is not a test. There is no correct or incorrect answer, so don’t allow yourself to feel pressured. Also, even though it is called a life verse, it is not a “Forever” Life verse. It’s for your current rhythm of life. You can choose a different verse at any time because the fact is that we need various verses during the different rhythms of our lives. (There is a reason that there are more than 788,000 words in the Bible). Enjoy your time in the word, and let God speak to you during this process.

Here are five steps to help you choose your life verse and start living your life through scripture:

1. List Your Favorite Bible Verses

Start a list of your personal favorites. Write down your favorite Bible verses. Consider verses that have encouraged you in the past or scriptures you have been drawn to during trying times. Recall your favorite hymns or worship songs, and think about the scriptures embedded within the lyrics. You may be surprised about how much of the lyrics are actual scripture quoted directly from the Bible. Seek out verses that speak to an area where you need extra reinforcement. Avoid choosing scriptures that build you up in any attribute that is already a strength. Rather be intentional and look for a verse that supports you where you are weak.

Here are a few favorite Bible verses that come to mind: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLT

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJ

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

2. Meditate on the scripture

Read these verses in a variety of translations, and read them aloud. Read them in the passage they are written in. Be sure to understand the context in which they are intended to be used. You may have heard a great scripture recited, but beware that a single verse with the correct context can easily be misapplied and understood. For example, the list of the top 20 life verses mentions Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We would use this verse to embark on or conquer an enormous task. But if we read the entire passage, we find that Paul was writing about finding contentment even in dire circumstances. Suppose we are declaring that we are mighty in strength to complete His works. In that case, we may use Psalm 103:20, or if we are claiming we are strong in Him and have a supernatural ability to overcome the things of the world and rise above, then we can read 1 John 4:4. 

If you’re brand new to using a Bible or find yourself stuck, try using the concordance at the end of your Bible. You can even use an app to search keywords that resonate with you.

Here are some questions: Does this verse leave me with a sense of peace and hope whenever I read it? Is this a verse that encourages me? Can this message help guide me as I seek direction for my life?

3. Narrow Down Your Choices

Choose your top five scriptures from your list and write them down on separate papers. Post the verses in different spots around your home, car, or workspace, and reflect on them throughout your day. Read them frequently, and say them aloud as much as you can. Memorize them. Ask yourself which one did you turn to the most. Do you need encouragement throughout your day? Does one verse, in particular, make your heart jump with joy?

Taste the words on your lips, and listen to the message behind the words. A life verse should be concise enough to memorize and be recited in the heat of battle as you go about your day. It should give you hope and feel better than before you read it. The words that the Holy Spirit illuminates for you should motivate you to run the good race, not leave you sitting comfortably, but drive you to act on the things that matter most. Consider how God uses you and what scripture allows you to surrender or draw nearer to him.

4. Enjoy the journey

Have patience. Take your time in His word. This is not a test; your life verse will change depending on your circumstances. Remember, any time we spend in His word is an investment in our spiritual growth. These aren’t just words scribbled on pages. These are God-breathed and useful for our lives (Hebrews 4:12-13). Remember Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”

Of course, some verses and passages have a more significant impact during different times in our lives. But God’s words have value for all things, every day, so what you focus on this quarter of the year may not be the same focus for the next quarter.

5. Pray for His Guidance

Most importantly, pray over these verses. Without prayer, nothing works! The Holy Spirit has a way of illuminating sections of the love letters God left behind for us to read. Tucked away, not meant to be hidden, but meant to be explored, are messages that will have a lasting impact on our hearts. We will uncover the knowledge to questions we have, guidance for decisions, the pearls of wisdom, and words spoken for such a time as this. Let Him lead you through this process. Choose the verse that quenches your thirst, brings you rest, and feeds your spirit. It’s the verse that makes your shoulders drop with relief and breathes new life into your lungs.

Prayer is essential not only for this activity but for everyday living. Even when you discover the perfect life verse for your season of life, continue to pray and share with others how your life verse is helping you overcome and grow. Living life through scripture is so very rewarding. It opens up a whole new way of living.

Yours In Christ,

Leticia