My favorite Bible verse
When it comes to Bible verses there are not very many that I remember. However, there is one that has stuck with me over the last few years. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” How I came upon this verse that I now live is kind of a bazar story. This is one of those stories where the power of God was working because this was something at the time I needed to read and reflect upon. The year 2020, we were in lockdown and finishing my last few months of high school online. As a part of religion assignment we were asked to find and reflect on one of our favorite Bible verses. At this time my faith was still being built up from the hole I was in meaning there was not much of the Bible that I really loved. So, I googled good Bible verses and on that list was Jeremiah 29:11. Ironically I was just looking for a verse I could easily write something about, I never thought I would remember it all these years later. Let alone it be something that I truly love to reflect upon when things do not seem to be going the way I thought. It reminds me that God’s plans for me are good and that things will happen on his timeline and not mine. It also reminds me that following God’s will bring me the ultimate happiness and my future is bright. I find it crazy that a simple little religion assignment would give me a Bible verse that I absolutely love. They do say God works in mysterious ways and we never know how a prayer might be answered. When I needed it most this verse came to me and showed me I am here for a reason and that God put me here on earth at this time for a reason.
The Bible is so important and reading it can help bring a deeper understanding of the faith. One thing technology has done is help bring access to the Bible that much easier. Everyone I know has a smart phone or tablet which means they have access to an app with the Bible on it. The two apps that I have on my phone are Ascension Press and Hallow. Out of the two the Ascension Press has more to it has a Bible guide that tells the reader what each chapter is about and how it fits into the entire story of the Bible. Also has questions and answered throughout and can listen to chapters if that is easier. Technology has made reading the Bible that much easier and if you do not already have one of these apps on your phone, I highly recommend them.
When it comes to reading the Bible I myself am not the best at sticking to it. However, having these apps have helped me read it more often or at least get some aspect of my faith everyday. I understand life gets in the way but with these apps one can listen to them in the car, working out, or just doing everyday things. Personally, if I know the day is going to be long or very busy I play the thing I am currently listening to on Hallow while I get ready on the morning or while I am in the shower. This way no matter what happens one part of day involved my faith. Listening to it in the morning helps me get in the right frame of mind for the day. Over the years Jeremiah 29:11 has stayed with me has my favorite verse, yet the more I read the Bible the more I fall in love with my Catholic faith. So, this is your reminder to go and read the Bible if not today than sometime this week.
