Date: Dec. 18, 2012
2013 is almost here, so it is time to choose. At the beginning of each year people all around the world who are a part of UBF choose verses from the Bible to hold on to for the year. We do this because we really want to grow in Christ and we really want to have even one small verse to live by for the year. A key verse is a reminder for us of God's word to help draw us nearer to him.
Now, a key verse is not like a New Year's resolution. It shouldn't be a checklist of what we want to accomplish in the next year. A checklist presupposes that if we hold to the verse, God will like us better, but that just throws the whole idea of grace out the window. If you've accepted Jesus, then God already loves you and you can't do anything to increase that love. Jesus already gave everything, including his life, to save you from your sins because he loves you.
When we choose a key verse for the year, there are many reasons why we might choose a particular verse. Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for decades, finding just the right verse that you want to hold on to can be challenging. Here are a few things to think of when choosing a key verse.
- Classic. If you are new to Christianity or are just want to get back to the basics in your faith, then there are some classic verses that you might want to consider to bring your focus on to Jesus like Matthew 6:33 or Psalm 1:2-3.
- Encouragement. Maybe the past year has been rough for you, your faith is being tested, or you just feel spiritually dry. Then, it's really good to remember what God has already done for you. Look to verses that tell you that God thinks you are precious like John 3:16 or to verses that tells you that God gives us power like 2 Timothy 1:7.
- Improvement. Maybe throughout the year you noticed that there is some fruit of God that is lacking in your life, like you don't pray sincerely, you're proud, you're stingy, or you have no faith. Then, it is important to remember what God says about these fruits. Look to verses that speak about prayer, humility, love, generosity, joy, faith, or whatever you are lacking.
- God. There are times where you might pick based on these other ideas, but it seems more habitual than sincere. When that seems to be the case, it's good to focus directly on God and look for verses that describe God's attributes like his love (1 John 4:10), his wrath (Hebrews 10:31), his omniscience or the fact that all of creation is in his hands (Amos 4:13).
However you are choosing a key verse, remember to be sincere. God knows your heart and your key verse for the year is intended to bring you closer to him. Happy New Year!
*This is a republishing of an article from January 2012, with some minor updates. (Original)
