As you get older, make mistakes, feel lost, and hunger for something more in life, you see how important it is to root yourself in words of truth to help you along the way. As a Christian, the best place to find these words of truth (in addition to wise mentors and friends) is the Bible. Your life might be going great. But life can also be a hot mess. Life can throw you curve balls. So, I thought about some verses from the Bible that have given me hope in times of trial, and I came up with this list of chapters. Of course, it is a good idea to become familiar with the Bible in its entirety, but you have to start somewhere, right? Chapters might seem like a lot to memorize or read, but just try to read one per week and see what happens.
1. Psalm 23
This is a very popular Psalm about how the Lord is our Shepherd. He guides, comforts, anoints, and provides for us. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (NIV) is a well-known piece of this chapter (with good reason). Having this piece of Scripture stored in your memory is wonderful way to remember that God's got your back at all times.
2. Colossians 3
This chapter talks about the new life you get as a follower of Christ and how you can live your life with an eternal perspective rather than an earthly one. "[Y]ou have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ" (NLT). This chapter also reminds Christians to "make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you..." (NLT) because nobody is perfect. Colossians 3 is great to keep in mind as you live with other people and notice some of their habits that might annoy you.
3. Romans 5
Here is a chapter that discusses how faith produces joy and how God brings us into a place of privilege because of our faith. Additionally, this chapter reminds us that "we can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us endure. And endurance develops strength of character... For we know how dearly God loves us" (NLT). Sin is addressed, but Paul goes on to say, "God's wonderful kindness became more abundant... giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ" (NLT). Now that's certainly something to encourage and empower you.
4. Romans 8
I became more familiar with this chapter during high school when I attended a youth conference called International Youth Convention (IYC) in Denver, Colorado that focused on Romans 8. This powerful chapter asserts that "God gave put into effect a different plan to save us" (NLT). Based on the victory that we have in Jesus Christ, we are given a life in the Spirit that is free of condemnation because Jesus destroyed sin's control. Then, this is a great passage for words of truth because we can identify ourselves as children of God: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.... You should behave like God's very own children" (NLT). Lastly, Paul tells us that what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory God will give us later. Until that time, "the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress... we don't even know how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us" (NLT). Side note: We don't talk about the Holy Spirit too much, so this calls out the Spirit's powerful presence in our lives.
5. Philippians 4
Verses 6 and 7 are probably ones you are familiar with: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (NLT). This reminds us of God's peace that we do not fully understand, but gives us protection through Jesus Christ.
I am by no means an expert when it comes to talking about the Bible. However, I have seen how God's word gives us a better idea of who He is, what He has done for us, and how He has plans for us to live a joyful life through Jesus Christ. God's wisdom is far beyond anything we can comprehend. So, when times get rough, it is good to have God's word hidden in your heart and stored in your memory to guide you.
Again, one chapter might seem like a lot, but just try to read one for a week. When you wake up, read it. Before you go to bed, read it. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding, and see what happens.
Feel free to comment passages you have cherished below!
