We all have our favorite Bible verses.
Children sometimes choose the perennial favorite, “Jesus wept,” found in John 11:35. At only two words, it’s simple to memorize.
Adults might prefer, “For all things work together, for those called according to his purpose.” This uplifting passage from Romans 8:28 provides encouragement when the world beats us down.
Cast a wider net, however, and other verses come to life. In January of 2017, Christianity Today reported that the favorite Bible verse of the WORLD was found in Zechariah 14:9:
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.”
The New International Version says it this way: “On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.”
Who wouldn’t love that verse? It shines with the very glory of our almighty King.
In Saudi Arabia, Columbia, and Italy, Jeremiah 29:11 claimed the prize as the winner:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
How exciting! God has plans for us, and they involve a future filled with hope. It makes us want to dance and sing.
The most populous country in the world, China, finds faith in Philippians 4:6-7, more than any other Biblical reference:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Uganda, the scene of one of the world’s most atrocious genocides in recent history, looks to Zechariah 8:17 for renewal and hope:
“Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord.”
Our circumstances impact our choice of go-to verses in the Word of God. Our search for answers from God can be driven by our culture and our physical and spiritual needs. There’s one thing, however, that’s consistent the world over. The Bible provides hope and strength for millions of believers across the globe.
When we need to build our faith, the Christian’s source of sustenance is always the Holy Word of the Almighty God.
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