OPINION:
The Bible’s pages contain timeless truths that help guide humans to live according to God’s calling.
At a time when so much seems confusing and muddied, it’s no surprise to see people — especially young Americans — flocking to the Old and New Testaments in search of something eternal, real and raw to which they can cling.
Each year, YouVersion, the organization behind the world’s most popular Bible apps, announces the most engaged-with Scripture of the year.
The top verse changes from year to year, but it often points to broader trends and heartfelt needs. This year’s most popular verse was Isaiah 41:10, a Scripture about reliance on the Lord.
It reads: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (NIV).
The popularity of this powerful truth says quite a bit about human nature and current events, especially given that the Scripture keeps popping up in annual reviews.
“This marks the fourth time in six years the verse has claimed the top spot, which is a testament to the enduring need for God’s reassurance in uncertain times,” YouVersion noted.
The past 11 months have undoubtedly been filled with chaotic events, with the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September sparking a litany of emotions.
That tragic occasion — the killing of a well-known political and religious figure — rocked the nation and world. Suddenly, people were asking questions about life, faith and theology. Some of the reactions have fed fear and consternation.
Meanwhile, on the global stage, ongoing war in the Middle East and in Ukraine add to the horror and precariousness. Mix in economic woes, and it’s understandable why Americans would search the Bible looking for a reprieve from worry.
As uncertainty abounds, this verse reminds people to not “be dismayed” and points their attention back to the Creator. The Lord proclaims, “I am your God.” It’s a powerful statement that shifts focus to where it most matters.
But it’s what comes next in the verse that shows why Isaiah 41:10 is so pertinent: It speaks to the hope, solution and solace that can be found in the Lord.
“I will strengthen you and help you,” God proclaims. “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
See, as we navigate uncharted and spiritually dark waters, people are looking for something unvarying and perpetual; they want something that won’t disappoint, terrorize or instill fear.
Tragically, that very solution — the Creator — has been forced out of so many areas of our culture, yet the popularity of this verse shows people are searching for and waking up to the reality that, when fear and dismay strike, we have a God willing to shower us with peace.
Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion, underscored this reality in his reaction to seeing Isaiah 41:10 emerge as the year’s most engaged verse.
“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone,” Mr. Gruenewald said. “In a world full of anxiety and uncertainty, people are drawn to God’s promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to help us. That message never gets old because the need for it is universal and timeless.”
There’s perhaps another parallel worth noting as we explore Isaiah 41: context. Over the past year, cultural and political moves have reflected a people on the brink, at least here in America.
As a result of drifting from God, we’ve seen massive dysfunction impede our schools, families, homes and government structures. Many people are desperately trying to right these wrongs, turning to God and faith in the process.
Interestingly, Isaiah 41 was written between 739 and 681 B.C. at a time when the Prophet Isaiah was imploring Israel and other nations to “repent and turn to God, warning of the judgment that will come if they do not.”
GotQuestions has more on the context in question: “The Prophet Isaiah was primarily called to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah. Judah was going through times of revival and times of rebellion. Judah was threatened with destruction by Assyria and Egypt, but was spared because of God’s mercy. Isaiah proclaimed a message of repentance from sin and hopeful expectation of God’s deliverance in the future.”
More specifically, Isaiah prophesied that Immanuel (Jesus) would one day come and establish a new order — a proclamation that came centuries before Christ’s birth. It’s a fitting time to reflect on the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words as Christmas approaches.
Overall, the parallels between then and now show the consistency of the human heart. Our need for God hasn’t changed. The only question is: Will we continue to answer that call?
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
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