It’s not always clear sailing with this thing called life. Sometimes you encounter scary days. Sometimes they are days of worry.
Sometimes they are days of sadness.
Sometimes you feel utterly exhausted. When days are tough, most Christians turn to the Bible, their go-to book for hope and comfort. Although the Bible does not pretend life is an easy road, it does promise something so much greater. It promises God is close.
God is strong.
And God will help. Below are 10 Bible verses to offer you a boost of courage on your not-so-best days. Top 10 encouraging verses
1.Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be anxious;
I am with you God is always with us! Even when I am having an anxiety attack and feeling scared, knowing God will not abandon me brings me a sense of peace and hope.
2. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things in the power of Christ.
Some Christians seem to interpret this literally as though nothing bad can ever happen to you if you can do all things.
This is not an affirmation that your hopes and dreams will materialize if you believe strongly enough, but the meaning here was not the same intended.
Paul’s hope was not rooted in his circumstances, but in his abiding trust in the Lord. If Paul could find joy and contentment amidst persecution, surely, he or I could through His strength persevere.
3. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble
Our safest place in the storm The world can make it really easy to feel lost and uncertain.
God assures us He is safe when all else feels shaking.
4. Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you.
This instruction was given to Joshua when he had to take on his greatest responsibility of replacing Moses. We can take this message and apply it to our own circumstances.
5. Psalm 34:18 – God stays close to the sorrowful.
There’s a certain stigma around being “broken”. However, when it comes to God’s faithfulness, He is there right by your side when your heart breaks.
6. Romans 8:28 -God’s plan endures.
This one can be tricky to interpret. The passage is saying God is in control of everything happening in this world and He works all events to bring about His ultimate will, so if we are to have hope during hard times, then nothing good can ever be prevented from happening.
7. 2 Corinthians 4:16 – Don’t give up!
We are tired.
We “wear out”.
But this is also a promise that the one on the inside gets new power every day. That’s the kind of motivation we look for when things feel tough.
8. Psalm 23:4 – God’s presence is even in the dark.
If you know Psalm 23 well, you recognize that this scripture speaks in terms of walking through difficult times but always knowing God will protect you. The key is His presence in the dark times, not the removal of darkness itself.
9. Matthew 11:28 – Jesus offers rest.
When you are completely exhausted, completely worn down, even completely empty, Jesus welcomes you exactly as you are.
Come to Him with everything. He will provide rest that you cannot find any where else.
10. 1 Peter 5:7 – Let God worry about it.
It is simple, yet powerful advice-whether you have a little concern on your heart or massive concerns-you can transfer all your concerns to God.
What do these verses teach you?
There are so many Bible verses to choose from to provide hope on those trying days. What they show you is that hope found in Scripture doesn’t promise a perfect existence.
What they offer you instead, is so much greater: the assurance that the Almighty is near, He offers you strength, He invites the weary to Him, and He cares deeply about your concerns.
Hope does not require a promise of ease, but an assurance that you are never alone.
When it’s hard, and pain seems overwhelming, remember this; encouragement is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God through the pain.
How to read Bible verses for encouragement If you are in the midst of challenges, pick just one verse.
Sit on it for a few days.
Read that passage of scripture and others around it. Pray through it. Write it down and post it at your work station or on your mirror. Share with a friend.
The Bible isn’t always intended to be an instant stress reliever- but it will strengthen, guide, correct, and comfort us.
Q: What is the best bible verse for encouragement?
Isaiah 41:10 is a wonderful verse. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Q: What bible verses help during hard times?
I encourage you to turn to Psalm 46:1! “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Q: What is the best scripture for those feeling troubled?
Psalm 34:18-The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and to the contrite in spirit-always reassures us that He remains close to those in deepest despair.
Q: When need to feel Encouraged, I turn to Which book in the Bible?
You will find a tremendous amount of encouraging biblical scripture all throughout the books of wisdom-such as Psalms and Proverbs- but it also can be found in passages relating to God’s promises like Isaiah. Joshua 1:9 is a classic!
Q: How can scripture help us with anxiety?
Scripture helps us shift our focus away from the fears that consume and cloud our minds, to what is real, steadfast, and true about our God.
Final Thoughts
A Bible verse for encouragement can remind you of simple, important truths. God is with you. Christ can be trusted. Your hard days do not define who God is.
Whether you feel afraid, sad, unsure, or tired, come back to God’s Word. Come back in prayer. Let His Word speak to your life, build your faith, and turn your eyes toward the One who holds you up.
Christian writer and Bible study leader from Charleston, South Carolina. She writes about comfort, prayer, and trusting God in everyday struggles.