That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

~John 21:7b NKJV

“What’s your favorite Bible verse?”

I find the question overwhelming.

“Are you serious?” was my rhetorical reply.

Among the tens of thousands of verses that declare God’s goodness, deep affections, and divine and deliberate planning, how can I select a single favorite verse? God pours out His supernatural heart to us with gestures of love so grand they are unspeakable.

Cover to cover, our Bible captures the incomprehensible. The written Word is a sacred gift. Sometimes I feel only Jesus, the Word, possesses the power to narrow the scriptures about Himself in that way. But, it is easy when He authored it and possesses all wisdom and power.

Still, I get the heart of the question—to share my favorite verse—and so I think I may have finally settled on my life’s verse: “It is the Lord.” This phrase has become my prayer.

Sacred truth aside, I appreciate the Bible as a work of art. The way the stories are told and how they share a unified message show this book is divine. As a result, there is no way humans could craft their equal if they were given all eternity.

Tucked away in the book of John, I’ve come to realize this one verse perfectly echoes all I ever hope to find in this life. First, that people would know that all the good done on earth is from the hand of the Lord. And then, that the beauty in life was initiated by Him and is sustained by Him alone.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

~James 1:17 NKJV

How often do we sing songs about our love for God? We make lofty promises about praising Him in the valleys, only to fall away when we go through one. God knows this, just as He knew Peter would betray and forsake Him. He also knew David would commit adultery, Hezekiah would go astray, and Israel would worship idols. Yet, God is still faithful despite our wanderings.

God hears us and keeps us. He awakens us daily and pursues us with unparalleled kindness even in our unworthiness.

The goodness that we see on the earth and the faithfulness and mercy we experience every morning is from the Lord. From creation to the cross, the Lord is good. The people in our lives are gifts from Him. Similarly, the one who told me about Christ, my patient spouse, my children, and my friends are all gifts from the Lord.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth). Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

~Ephesians 5:8-9 NKJV

God’s goodness goes deeper than what happens on the outside. It includes what happens on the inside. That nudge to do good is also from the Lord. The passion, talent, or gift we have is because of the Lord. The opportunity to use it is the Lord’s doing. The purpose we feel is the Lord equipping us. I now realize this is the confession I want spoken over me so that others can see it is the Lord within me that helped me to succeed.

John knew and recognized Jesus. Therefore, I want people to know and recognize that the Spirit of Jesus is welcomed within me. Much like Jesus spoke of two vital commands—love God and love others—He has granted me the insight to do the same. I want the confession of others regarding me to be “It is the Lord working in her.” I want this to be second only to Father God speaking His confession, “Well done,” over me.

What deed have you done recently that you can boldly declare, “It is the Lord?”

Father God, You see me. You recognize who I am and my shortcomings, yet You reveal Yourself through me, choosing to be present within me. Therefore, let me live mindful that all good comes from You, and all the glory belongs only to You. Let my satisfaction be solely in what You would say of me. Be pleased with my life. So, for the Kingdom and its glory, I submit to Your will and ways on earth now and forevermore. Help me live according to the good name of Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: It Is the Lord!: Shanda Neighbors: All Rights Reserved