‘That message never gets old’: Obscure Bible verse ranks in top spot for 4th time in 6 years

There was COVID in the not-distant past. Now it’s the side effects from that deadly plague and the treatment given to people.

There are shootings, bombings and worse from terrorism.

There’s the constant political agenda that advocates for communism over freedom, the environment over people, and death by abortion over life.

There even are campaigns to inflict body-mutilating surgeries on children via the transgender ideology.

Often, under the high inflation during 2020-2024, which has moderated somewhat now, families had difficulties paying for both housing and food.

Perhaps it’s no wonder that the most shared, bookmarked and highlighted verse on a popular mobile Bible app concerned “fear.”

According to a report at CBN, “A scripture about God’s provision, comfort, and divine protection has again become the most shared, bookmarked, and highlighted verse across the globe, according to YouVersion, a top-rated mobile Bible app.”

The verse is 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.”

It’s the fourth time in six years for the verse to be in the top spot.

“I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone,” said Bobby Gruenewald, of YouVersion, told CBN.

“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.”

The organization reports higher and higher interactions with Bible verses.

“We’re witnessing a global movement. People are hungry for what’s real and true,” Gruenewald said in the CBN report. “The Bible stands alone as the source of truth, carefully passed from generation to generation. It’s alive and active, and relevant to our everyday lives. These numbers represent millions of changed lives—people finding hope, direction, and purpose in God’s Word.”

During 2025, the app hit a billion downloads.