I wanted to share something special with you guys in the first blog post of 2021. It’s probably the most personal blog I’ve written to date, some of it coming straight from my journal. So, I hope you enjoy it!

As 2020 came to an end, many of us were hopeful for a fresh start and a better year, but we’re not even through the first month of 2021, and so much has already happened! After taking a long break for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I expected to come back refreshed and ready to write. Honestly though, that’s not what happened. Recent events in the news have evoked strong emotions and the process of sorting them out has been distracting. The media has a knack for making our world look bleak, but when I get discouraged, I know it’s time to reframe my perspective. Have you ever noticed that when you focus on problems, they seem to grow in size and severity?

I think Matthew 8:23-27 provides the perfect analogy. The disciples were in a boat with Jesus during a storm. They were scared because their focus was on the storm even though Jesus has power to control the wind and waves! After calming the storm, he said these convicting words, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”

Those words convicted me. Instead of letting the storms of life overwhelm me, I want to exercise my faith muscles by fixing my eyes on Jesus. That’s right, I said “muscles.” Faith can be practiced and built, just like a muscle. Fear is a natural first response, but instead, I want a quiet confidence and assuredness in God.

As you can see, I look to God and his word for wisdom and direction. I consistently write my thoughts and discoveries in a journal. Reviewing it at the end of the year allows me to see a bird’s eye view of how God was working the whole time.

Top Bible Verses of 2020

This year I decided to make a tally of which Bible verses appeared the most in my journal. The exercise was eye opening and made me realize how God was speaking to me. If you haven’t tried this, I highly recommend it!

I asked my social media followers if they’d like to see my top verses for 2020 and I got several responses saying, “Yes!” Below, you can read the verses and the number of times each one appeared in my journal.

(15) Psalm 46:10 -
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

(15) Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

(13) Provers 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

(7) Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

(7) Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

(6) Genesis 22:14
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.

(4) Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

(4) Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(2) 2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(2) Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

(2) Isaiah 49:19
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

(2) Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I wrote down many more verses than the list above, but only took a tally of those that appeared at least two times. I also ended up having a phrase of the year which was, “Be Still” and it showed up in Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:6, and Psalm 37:7. I wrote it down 15 times, but it came to mind many more times than that.

I thought it would be nice to select a theme for 2021 so I can be actively thinking about it and trying to live it out. After prayerful consideration, I decided to go with the phrase, “Live a life of love,” which came from: Ephesians 5:2 Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave himself for us—a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

A relationship with God is very personal and he speaks to people differently. I’m sure your list of “top verses” will look different from mine, but I encourage you to try this exercise on your own. I know 2021 has already started, but it’s not too late to grab a blank journal and start writing! I would love to hear what you learn! 😊

“Chime-In”

Comment below!

Let me know if you have any journaling tips, favorite verses,
or lessons you’d like to share from 2020.