YouVersion have released their 2022 Verse of the Year and it’s not an unfamiliar one in Isaiah 41:10.

“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.” (Isaiah 41:10)

This was the verse that was “shared, bookmarked, and highlighted most often by the global YouVersion Community during 2022”.

Isaiah 41:10 is the climax of a sequence of verses enthroning God over the nations and singling Israel out as God’s chosen people.

When we look at what’s been happening in the world in 2022, it thus makes sense that Isaiah 41:10 was the most engaged-with verse.

Indeed, while the worst days of the coronavirus are now behind most of us, we still find ourselves grappling with fear and dismay in the world such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and being overwhelmed by rising living costs.

YouVersion reported that at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, searches in the Ukrainian language “nearly doubled compared to the previous month”.

“Initially, trending search terms were words like ‘war,’ ‘fear,’ and ‘anxiety,'” the report added. “As time passed and the war progressed, the top search term in Ukrainian became ‘love.'”

In contrast to grave worries like these, we have such precious promises and words in this verse: God chose us, loves us and promises us help and strength.

Reflecting on 2022

As the year draws to a close, why not take a moment to look back on the year you’ve had?

When was the most fearful or dismayed you had been? Where did you see God in those moments? How would you approach those circumstances differently?

Tracing the hand of God in our lives like this builds faith, fosters gratitude and gives us the words for a story to share.

Take a second to consider all the people that God has placed in your life. Which faces come to mind?

Who among them might be facing fear and dismay, who could use a word of encouragement in this season or a prayer?

In person, why not reach out to them before the year closes? Be a blessing and a channel of God’s light.

An anchor for 2023

Isaiah 41:10 was an anchor verse for many throughout 2022, and next year will surely have its own verse.

But we’d like to encourage you to seek God for a personal verse for 2023 ahead.

Whether you’re facing seasons of rejoicing or mourning, could there be a scripture or verse to anchor you through the year?

There are so many one might choose from. There’s verses elsewhere in Isaiah like Isaiah 33:6 “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure”.

Or you might turn to the Psalms, like in Psalm 61:2: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Whatever anchor verse you choose or lean upon, the Word of God promises to be a firm foundation for all your days ahead in 2023 and beyond!

Want even more? Here are the top verses of previous years…