Life Verse
A North Star
Why do lion tamers use a chair when faced with a lion? I have heard that the chair, with its four points, creates a state of paralysis and confusion in the lion. As a result, they don’t attack.
There are times when we are stagnant, going nowhere in our lives. We find it hard to function and even lose interest in the things we used to do. It could be that we suffer from information overload.
That is one reason why I like to have a life verse. I love the Bible, but let’s remember that it is a library of 66 books. There are so many things to learn, which is why it’s better to work on it a little at a time.
Here is an example of a good life verse:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1, NIV)
It functions as a North Star. It speaks of our “true and proper worship,” which is what we were created for. It says everything needs to be surrendered to God as a living sacrifice, those things that bring us pain as well as the things that bring us joy. Once everything is on the altar, our lives begin to have purpose and meaning: worship. For example, a child is going astray from the Lord. That can be tough to handle and disheartening. Yet, this verse reminds us that we are responsible for ourselves. Like Paul, we can urge others to do the same but ultimately it’s their decision. To make our joy dependent on what others do, including our children, is a form of co-dependency.
Negative events can be disorienting. Our feelings can be all over the place. The life verse can be an anchor in those times. Rather than point us away from the rest of the Bible, the life verse points us back to the Bible. It gives us a handle to keep reaching for greater heights.
How about praying for a life verse and then having it written out on a card and set in various places as a reminder? This can help orient you each day and each moment. Maybe you already have a life verse. If so, please feel free to share it in the comments.
