Everyone has a unique path through life, so some words of advice are more relevant to certain people's situations than others. As a Christian, the Bible has always been a good place for me to go when I need words of encouragement or wisdom. I decided to ask people what they're favorite Bible verses were and why to get a variety of inspirational verses.
Hopefully, some of these will be able to shed some light on something you are going through right now.
1. Proverbs 27:12
“For the prudent see danger and seek refuge but the foolish keep going and suffer for it.”
"It’s applicable all the time and is helpful to people even outside of a religious context."
2. 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
"It’s a nice reminder that our fears are nothing compared to His love for us. I also recommend listening to the song No Longer Slaves."
"I think this verse is so powerful because it’s applicable to our society. You can experience fear for a lot of different reasons. You can fear people who don’t share your beliefs, you can fear not feeling loved and you can even fear God himself. When we truly understand God’s will for us and how deeply we are loved by him, the fear will evaporate. I think this is a good reminder of that."
3. Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
"This verse means so much to me because I am always apprehensive about the future and about what God has in store for me. It keeps me reassured to trust and keep my focus on him."
4. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I like this one because I am an anxious person at times and this reminds me that I am never alone and even though I might be out of my comfort zone, or am going through a rough time Jesus has my best interest and will guide me through it all.
"I did a dig-in of the book of Joshua last year, and I always loved this verse. It taught me to stay steadfast and trust God, even when I doubted my situation or, more often myself. No matter where I am or how difficult a situation may be, I can take comfort in knowing that God is with me through every moment and using those hard times to build me up into a stronger man of God."
5. Psalm 46:10-11
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
"It’s a great reassurance to be quiet. Be still. God is still the biggest and He’s got this."
6. Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
"This verse was kind of what made me consider the Christianity couldn’t be all that bad and has also helped me stay level-headed when I go through a really bad low."
7. Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
"This verse has had an impact on me since freshman year of college. I don’t remember how I found it, I think I just googled “good verses” and found it. I like it because it reminds me that we can’t always see or even feel faith, but we have the assurance that it’s there, that we are grounded in it. I also like that faith is equated to a confidence in this hope we have found."
8. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
"It’s my favorite because it really encompasses several important Christian values, and it’s just a good reminder to try to always be kind/compassionate/patient to/with others, even when it can be hard!
9. Isaiah 40: 28-31
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
"It reminds me that God Himself is never-ending in love, strength, patience and in his provision for us. In times that we seem like we feel like we can’t go any further, we may not understand why we’re going through it. However, it doesn’t stop there, but we will succeed and be exalted, and one day never have to worry about feeling this again!
10. Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
"My bible study leader referred me to this quote during my freshmen year of college. It was during finals week and I was stressing out over every little thing. After reading this quote, I felt an instant overwhelming sense of peace. I know that sounds cheesy, but this verse is what gets me through the hard times. I am the kind of person who likes to plan everything out to a tee, but this has taught me to take every day as it comes and to live life in the present rather than worrying about the future. God has a plan for us and no amount of my worrying is going to change His will."
If you are interested in hearing more perspectives or about the harsh realities of life and people's journeys as Christians, check out Join the Story!
