We all go through difficult times, and each of us struggle in various ways throughout different seasons. If you’re overwhelmed by challenges in life, it can be hard to focus on anything else, which often perpetuates existing stress.
Luckily, there are ample words of encouragement and rock solid advice found in the Bible. Meditating on Scripture helps us focus our attention on what is true and unchanging—even when everything around us is spinning or the very ground beneath our feet is crumbling with each step.
Maybe you’re feeling depressed, anxious, panicky, or all three.
Your relationships might be strained. Or there’s a mountain of stuff to get done and not enough hours in the day.
You may feel pressure from others’ expectations, your own sense of responsibility, or both.
Maybe it’s nothing really, but a genuinely crappy week.
B r e a t h e.
Regardless of what we face in life or how bad it feels like you’re drowning in racing thoughts and swirling emotions, take peace in the Truth that Jesus knows our troubled hearts and He sees the weary world we live in. As our Creator, He knows precisely what we need, inviting us to rest and simply take a breath.
He will bring the calm in the storm right to us, wherever we’re at.
The following verses are words spoken straight from the heart of God. Read through the list, pray them aloud, pick your favorites, write them down. In times when you feel like it—and especially when you don’t—keep seeking God’s Word, and remember He’s seeking you even more.
1. Be still
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14
2. The presence of God
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” — Exodus 33:14
3. Do not be afraid
“Do not be afraid or dismayed, the Lord will go before you; he will not fail or forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8
4. Never forsaken
“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you.” — Joshua 1:5
5. Wherever you go
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”— Joshua 1:9
6. Mourning to dancing
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” — Psalm 30:11-12
7. Delivered from trouble
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” — Psalm 32:7-8
8. God hears you
“When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their distress.” — Psalm 34:17
9. Firm foundation
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” — Psalm 40:1-2
10. Steady in God
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” — Psalm 62:1-2
11. From tears to joy
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.” — Psalm 126:5
12. Strength and song
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” — Isaiah 12:2
13. Saved by God
“Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Take courage, don’t be afraid. Behold, your God will come, and he will punish your enemies. He will make them pay for the wrongs they did, but he will save you.” — Isaiah 35:4
14. Strengthened and upheld
“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.” — Isaiah 41:10
15. Rest for your soul
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30
16. Fear not, little flock
“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” — Luke 12:25-32
17. Abounding comfort
“Praise be to God… the Father of compassion and all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
18. All anxiety
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
19. By your side
“The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” — 2 Timothy 4:17
20. Hope in our pain
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4
≫ Which verse connects with you the most? Comment below!
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