More people logged onto the YouVersion Bible app to read and share God’s word this Easter than any other time in the app’s decade-plus history.
It is unsurprising that Easter would be the app’s busiest day each year. However, this year’s holiday far exceeded last year’s stats. This Easter, 40.6 million people completed daily reading plans on Easter, up 54 percent from the year before. During Holy Week, another 14.1 million people shared verses, up 30 percent from the year before.
This trend can be explained in part by the fact that we are using our smartphones more during these days of stay-at-home restrictions. A poll released Monday reported that a third of Americans say they are spending more time on their smartphones for this reason.
But there’s more to the story. Consider the top verses shared on Easter. Several related specifically to Easter, such as Mark 16:6 and Luke 22:20. But Psalm 30:5 made the list as well: “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night be rejoicing comes in the morning.”
God intends that “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9), but he uses us to fulfill this purpose. He wants us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). His purpose is that “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
This is one way he uses hard times for his glory and our good—by showing us how much we need him and how much everyone else needs him as well.
Hearing and sharing the words of God
There is something in human nature that wants to share the good news we hear. We tell others about good books we read or movies we see. We share exciting news when it is announced. We want others to know what we know and feel what we feel.
And when we find help in hard places, we are even more motivated to share it.
This is because God made us as communal creatures. He knows “it is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Every image of the church in the New Testament is collective: a body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:27), a vine with many branches (John 15:5), a chorus with many members (Revelation 7:9).
What word of good news has the Lord shared recently with you?
What promises from his Scriptures have been helpful to you?
What insights from prayer and worship have made a difference in your life?
Our Father loves to speak to his children; when last did you hear his voice?
With whom will you share his word today?
NOTE: Denison Forum offers a number of devotionals on the YouVersion platform as well, such as our newly-released “When You Fear: 7 Days To Faithful Living In The Age Of Coronavirus” and “Why Does a Good God Allow Bad Things?“
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