My husband and I were looking for a new home. We needed to move closer to my parents, who were beginning to require a bit more support as they aged. As part of the process, we discussed what location would be beneficial. Where could we be about equidistant from my parents and my work? What type of community did we prefer? What style of house did we want? Stairs or no stairs? How much of a yard did we want to have to maintain> We lived on five acres in a cul-de-sac. Did we need five acres with the new house? In town or a subdivision? We needed to answer many questions as we looked at available houses.

I want to suggest that there is a very similar process when, as adults, we begin to decide the type of person we want to be. Do I choose to be a person of faith? Do I choose to be optimistic or pessimistic? Do I choose to allow anger or greed to control me? Do I choose to be selfish or selfless? Do I choose to be intentional in my decisions or allow my circumstances to dictate? Will I live in fear every moment, or will I choose to trust that God is in control and has a specific plan for my life? A plan that He is big enough, strong enough, wise enough to bring to fruition. Choosing how I approach life is a choice. I can choose my “home” or default disposition as I go through life, no matter the circumstances I find myself in.

Once I choose a “home,” I can grow. That doesn’t mean I don’t have work that must be done or that I won’t need to address a new problem in the future. Choosing a home just means I have a foundation from which to work. A life verse or even a verse for the season we are in can be the foundation for how we view life and how we respond. It can be a home we return to for the peace, comfort, strength, and sustenance we need to return to the world and face life.

As my husband and I toured different houses on the market, we eventually came to one that enveloped us with a sense of home the minute we walked in. I can’t explain it any other way except that our home chose us. Sometimes, my verse for the season or year chooses me. In 2023, Philippians 4:4-7 began to show up in my devotionals, in conversations with others, in sermons, and on the radio. I felt as if everywhere I turned, those four verses showed up. But, as is often the case, God was sowing His Word in my heart for the time I would need it.

Have you ever felt like a verse or passage of scripture chose you? I would love to hear your story! Please share your life verse or passage in the comments.

Rejoice in the LORD always; I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. (Philippians 4:407).

Excerpt from Choose To Live On Philippians Way by C.A. Adams

Serving alongside you,

Carla