I was going to post this week about Bathsheba, but I’ve had a few different people ask me the same question:
“How do I know when a verse applies to me and when it doesn’t?”
This came up when I shared a verse with a friend that was originally God speaking to Joshua. The specific verse was Joshua 1:9. I’m listing the verse for you because I’m going to be referencing it later on.
Here is my answer: The entire Bible applies to us!
God tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Notice the beginning of the verse—it says “All.” That means not only is the New Testament applicable, but so is the Old! While I understand that some verses will be easier to apply than others, I would strongly encourage you not to cherry-pick—choosing some and ignoring others—when it comes to applying Scripture. That’s actually a fast track to twisting it.
If you’re unsure how or where a verse might apply in your life, here are some helpful tips. I’m going to stick with Joshua 1:9 as an example so we can walk through a few kinds of application together:
Situational Application
Sometimes when you read a verse, it clearly speaks to your specific situation. You’re going through something similar to the character or setting in the text. Like Joshua, maybe you’ve just stepped into a position of leadership—or something unknown—and you’re scared or unsure. That’s exactly why God spoke to Joshua.
Emotional/Mental Application
Sometimes the verse won’t apply directly to your physical situation, but it still speaks to where your heart or mind are. Maybe you’re applying for jobs, or entering something new that’s making you anxious—Joshua 1:9 would be a perfect reminder, and not out of context.
Identity Application
Some verses teach us about who God is, as well as about who we are in light of Him. Joshua 1:9 reveals that God is faithful and present. It also shows us that our strength and courage aren’t from ourselves—they come from the fact that He is with us.
I’m sure there are other types of application, but I want to leave you with these three as a safe starting point. If you’re ever unsure whether a verse written to someone else can apply to your own life, look at the context. Not just where it sits in the Bible or the verses around it—but what was happening at that time, and what the verse meant to the original audience (commentaries are great for this purpose).
If the Holy Spirit highlights a verse and you’re not sure how to apply it, pray. God is faithful to show you what you need to know, when you need to know it. And if something feels off or out of context, ask someone wiser you trust. God will never contradict Himself, so if it seems to go against what you know of His character, it’s a good idea to seek counsel.
Like I said when I started, this post is coming from a desire to help my sisters learn to understand and apply the Word more deeply. I’m always here for questions, and I hope you ask them—because questions lead to deeper understanding and deeper faith. Don’t be afraid to challenge what you think you know. You might just discover something even more incredible.
With Love,
Hannah
Whispers of Christ 