Bill Speer

If I were to tell you that I could point you in a direction where hope abounds and fear is all but non-existent, would you believe me or consider me a charlatan?

Well trust me, I have not been hanging around any snake-oil salesmen lately.

But I do hang around church people, and I can assure you without doubt that if you are seeking truth, hope and peace in your life there is a place to turn, and that is the Bible.

I share this truth today not to be preachy or all “high and mighty.” I am a sinner, plain and simple, who like many, has sought forgiveness through Christ’s grace. This column actually stems from a recent news article I read that shared what verse people most sought out in the Bible during 2025.

In the story which received national attention, the most sought after Bible verse this past year was from Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10. The verse reads: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And when you stop and ponder the verse, it makes perfect sense why it would be important to people. In today’s world of uncertainty and turmoil, many of us are seeking comfort and stability. As the ocean waves seem to rock the world back and forth, we all need an anchor in the storm that threatens us.

The statistic of this year’s most popular verse comes from a Bible app company known as YouVersion. The company provides numerous ways for people to engage with the Bible through daily devotions, Bible studies or interaction with friends and neighbors.

Personally, I am well aware of YouVersion, and have it downloaded on my phone and use it almost daily.

When asked about why this particular verse proved so important this past year, Bobby Gruenewald, CEO of YouVersion, said “I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we are not alone. 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 grows old because the need for it is universal and timeless.”

And think about it, where else are people going to turn when they are seeking hope?

Do you think Facebook, with its endless stream of all your friends hanging out with their perfect looking families is going to do it? Think again. If all you relied on was that app for your information and assurance, you would think everyone is constantly on vacation and no one works anymore.

Do you remember the Covid years, and what that was like? Do you remember the fear, the uncertainty and the disruption those years were for all of us?

As an adult I’ve always believed in the Bible as my source of truth. Thus, as I struggled during those days with the whole concept of Covid, I claimed another verse, this one from Joshua, chapter 1, verse 9, as my personal comfort verse.

The verse reads: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I don’t care who you are or how confident you are in your own perspective about life. At some point along the way all of us need a dose of hope or a sprinkle of courage. May this Christmas, you find hope in the birth of a baby in Bethlehem, the same birth that’s given people reason to hope for the last 2000 years.

Bill Speer is a former editor and publisher of The News. His email is bspeer@thealpenanews.com.