Amidst all the chaos going on in the world, I thought I would share a few of my favorite Bible verses that relate to comfort and encouragement. As our world, country, state, city, and individual households are all currently navigating uncharted waters and the unknown, it can be hard to not become overwhelmed and to not worry. As a follower of Jesus, I take comfort knowing that this world is not my forever home and my hope is found in Christ. Although these are not peaceful times as a whole, peace can still be obtained through Jesus. I am encouraged that we serve an unshakeable God who is not surprised by the events of this world and who is still on His throne with a good plan. While it is okay to feel fear (and it’s totally normal might I add), the trouble comes when we sit and dwell in it. That leads to worry and often quickly spirals out of control allowing the devil to grab a foothold in our life. Not today, Satan… Not today! The verses below have encouraged me during many different life events and in the present, and I hope they will do the same for you in some way as well.
Matthew 11:28-29 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 27:13-14 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
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.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Revelation 21:5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”… The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
This is a season that we are all in together right now. We are all being affected by the coronavirus pandemic in some way, but how we react is everything. Over the past month or so, it really seems like many are turning their eyes and hearts upward and looking for true hope which is a bright spot in a rather, what feels like, bleak situation. Despite the circumstances, I pray that Christians use this opportunity to not only grow stronger in their own faith, but also to minister to those who are searching for something deeper right now. I pray that our country will look to God for healing, deliverance, and hope and that a revival is born from pain and chaos.
If you’re interested in reading about my favorite daily devotionals, you can find that post here (I’ll link them below as well). Also pictured is one of my favorite scripture tools (Truth for the Hard Places) that I keep on my bedside table. It was the sweetest “no reason” gift from my best friend a while back. Many of the verses listed above are also in the set. It’s an adorable card set that allows easy reference for comforting verses during difficult times, but unfortunately is no longer available. I think making your own colorful scripture cards on index cards could be a really fun quarantine craft though 🙂
Are there any verses that you cling to during unknown or difficult times? Feel free to reach out and share them with me. Hope you all have a lovely Easter Weekend. xoxo.