The bible verse of 2025

I received an email this morning from the Bible app noting “The Verse of the Year is here”. I don’t know what criteria is used to determine the verse of the year – maybe it was AI or someone measuring google searches or someone drawing a verse out of a hat. I figured I’d click and see (yes – perfect clickbait!). The verse is … ta da! Isaiah 41:10. I like the New Living Translation (NLT) – shown here:

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.“

My mind immediately jumped to the Pulp Fiction verse quoted by Samuel T. Jackson, maybe yours did too…so I’ll save you the search and show that verse here.

“I will execute terrible vengeance against them to punish them for what they have done. And when I have inflicted my revenge, they will know that I am the LORD.” – Ezekial 25:17

I know – it totally is not the same thing, but I can almost hear Samuel quoting Isaiah in his commanding voice. We’ll save you (and me) from the rabbit hole and the psychoanalysis. Let’s return to the comforting verse from Isaiah, which is just as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago.

As always, this verse is what I need to see as I conclude 2025 and look to 2026. God is always with me (and you). 2025 was a discouraging year – as I watched Mavis’ health decline, unable to make things better. I am somewhat at peace (as long as I don’t think too much). I did everything I could to heal her. I’d like to think she didn’t suffer too much. I’d like to think she knew how much I loved her. I trust that she is in Heaven with my parents and other pets, waiting for my arrival. Until I make it up there (sure hope I do!), I’ll persevere down here.

I haven’t made New Year’s Resolutions in awhile, but for 2026 I will throw out this ‘soft’ resolution – I will focus on trusting God more.

oh…and maybe more travel.

Happy New Year!

(photo from my sister tracking me on Life360)