What is it that pulls you through stressful times as well as the routine? Consider these snippets of scripture providing words of hope in distress, as well as purpose within the mundane and guidance for the road ahead.
- God tells his people, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
- “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
- “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
- The Christian is encouraged to embrace: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 11:6
- “I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
- “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
- “Do not be anxious about tomorrow.“ Matthew 6:34
- “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.“ 2 Corinthians 5:10
- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
- “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved … I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.“ John 10:9,10
- “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
- “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
- “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things (basic necessities) will be given unto you.” Matthew 6:33
- “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.“ Matthew 22:38
- “Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.“ Luke 6:31
- “God … comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.“ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4,5
- “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.“ Matthew 28:19-20
- “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.“ 2 Timothy 3:16,17
- “Do not go beyond what is written.” 1 Corinthians 4:6
I hope these verses for us are not merely isolated beads, but rather they recall for us the rich contexts from which they arise and which give them meaning. These only scratch the surface. What verses would you include?
Barry Newton