Life Verse
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119.165
I remember vividly when I was a junior in high school at Bob Jones Academy sitting in English class as my fellow students recited their “life verses.” I remember it so well because I was embarrassed that, not only did I not have a “life verse,” but I also had never even heard of the concept of choosing one.
Everyone was kind as our teacher explained that a life verse was a verse we would choose that we could easily call upon in difficult times or when we wanted to remember a special grace or relationship between us and our Savior. I contemplated carefully as one recited Philippians 4.13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Another quoted, Philippians 1.21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” And yet another claimed, I Corinthians 15.10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” One suggested John 3.30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
I found a rich enjoyment in knowing that my classmates loved the same Savior as I and that they had already attached themselves to a special portion of God’s Word upon which they leaned when experiencing life.
The verse I soon chose was Galatians 2.20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is a verse that reminds me that my life is in the hands of God for Him to use as He sees fit – a life that lives only at His pleasure and for His pleasure. It reminds me of my sacred responsibility to be consumed by God rather than just seeing Him as an add-on to my life.
Several years later as I was experiencing some rather difficult days as a pastor, the Lord brought to me another powerful verse from the Psalms, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119.165) It is more than simply “knowing” God’s Word – it is “loving” God’s Word. As the trials and difficulties of life sometimes seem overwhelming, we can turn to God knowing that He never leaves nor forsakes us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me….” (Psalm 23.4) Loving God’s Law keeps us close to the One who is able to keep us from falling. (Jude 1.24)
Other than my personal salvation in and through my Savior Jesus Christ, the greatest decision of my life involved the one I would spend my life with – my wife. While sitting in the Dating Parlor at Bob Jones University, Nancy and I chose a life verse for us as a couple. “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34.3)
The path God chose for us has not always been smooth; however, I never walk alone. I have a Savior with whom I walk and a wonderful wife who walks together with me. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Everyone was kind as our teacher explained that a life verse was a verse we would choose that we could easily call upon in difficult times or when we wanted to remember a special grace or relationship between us and our Savior. I contemplated carefully as one recited Philippians 4.13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Another quoted, Philippians 1.21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” And yet another claimed, I Corinthians 15.10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” One suggested John 3.30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
I found a rich enjoyment in knowing that my classmates loved the same Savior as I and that they had already attached themselves to a special portion of God’s Word upon which they leaned when experiencing life.
The verse I soon chose was Galatians 2.20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” It is a verse that reminds me that my life is in the hands of God for Him to use as He sees fit – a life that lives only at His pleasure and for His pleasure. It reminds me of my sacred responsibility to be consumed by God rather than just seeing Him as an add-on to my life.
Several years later as I was experiencing some rather difficult days as a pastor, the Lord brought to me another powerful verse from the Psalms, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119.165) It is more than simply “knowing” God’s Word – it is “loving” God’s Word. As the trials and difficulties of life sometimes seem overwhelming, we can turn to God knowing that He never leaves nor forsakes us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me….” (Psalm 23.4) Loving God’s Law keeps us close to the One who is able to keep us from falling. (Jude 1.24)
Other than my personal salvation in and through my Savior Jesus Christ, the greatest decision of my life involved the one I would spend my life with – my wife. While sitting in the Dating Parlor at Bob Jones University, Nancy and I chose a life verse for us as a couple. “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34.3)
The path God chose for us has not always been smooth; however, I never walk alone. I have a Savior with whom I walk and a wonderful wife who walks together with me. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Another personal note – I have surgery scheduled on my right leg this coming Sunday morning. I’m a bit bothered that they would schedule it on a Sunday; but, it seems that was the only opening available. I’ll be at MUSC for the surgery and will be in the hospital for at least three days. Having spent 112 days in the hospital for my heart attack in 2020, I have some anxiety over being in any hospital for any reason.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and for peace of mind. If you would like more details, email me and I’ll elaborate.Thank you for our prayer support.
I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and for peace of mind. If you would like more details, email me and I’ll elaborate.Thank you for our prayer support.
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