The air around me feels heavy right now. Many of our friends and family are facing battles and currently find themselves stuck in a rainstorm without a clear direction out. My family personally is facing devastation and confusion along with huge life changes. Our hearts feel confused and heavy and a little broken. Do you feel it too? I pray you aren't in a season such as this, but odds are you either relate to it now, you just came out of such a season, or you are heading into a hard time. Regardless of what stage you are currently in, we need encouragement to get through it. And I can't think of any better encouragement than the scriptures themselves.
So this whole blog post is just going to consist of scripture. Because I could never say it better than the word does itself. I hope you can read these verses and let them sink deep into your heart. I hope you find it encouraging as you face whatever battle is before you.
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
"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."
Isaiah 41:10
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6–7
"I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 34:4–5, 8
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
"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."
Joshua 1:9
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:31-34
"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'"
Isaiah 41:13
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
"When I thought, 'My foot slips,' Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul."
Psalm 94:18–19
My prayer for you this week:
Dear God, you know what we are facing. You know where each and every one of us are and you know our hearts better than we do. We praise you even in the middle of the storm. We pray that you give us the endurance to fight this battle, knowing that you have never left our side. God, please open our eyes to understanding and give our hearts a willingness to trust in you. We love you through the valleys and through the mountain tops, even when we don't understand you. Thank you for being sovereign and good. Amen.