Ten Good Bible Verses in Times of Crisis
There have been many challenging things happening in the world lately. And it might feel as if new incidents keep popping up and escalating around you. How to be at peace in the midst of all of this?
Even thinking about things can be a challenge. Sometimes we’re a bit too good at pondering things. We normally like things to be effective – we like quick answers and light entertainment. The crisis we face in demanding times can be a help for us to reflect and go deeper.
I will not let anxiety and discouragement take hold of me.
It’s quite an advantage to use medicine when we fight diseases – we visit our doctor, get a prescription, swallow a few pills and hope that we will soon be well.
Usually medicines do their job and the symptoms go away, and then we simply carry on as normal, without changing our lifestyles or habits. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with taking medicine, but it works best alongside a changed lifestyle and a long-term perspective.
Our Bible reading can also be a bit like this. We might pick out our favorite verses as a medicine to make us feel better, or cross off the pages on our Bible reading plan so we can move on to the next goal. These are not wrong in themselves, but it is better to combine Bible verses and promises from God with some pondering and reflection. The Bible calls this taking to heart God’s words (Ezekiel 3:10).
I believe in an almighty, good God.
The Bible is definitely a different book. It says that it is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) and that it is useful for teaching. (2 Timothy 3:16). It is an encouragement bringing hope to us (Romans 15:4).
The Bible is just full of eternal promises. It’s written in a historical and cultural context, but it still presents truths about God, about you and me, and about life. That’s why any crisis or demanding situation could give us an opportunity to pause and let the Bible speak to us.
I have chosen ten Bible verses you can use during challenging seasons you might face right now, and of course for the rest of your life.
My advice is to read one or more of these verses aloud, two or three times. After you’ve done this, ask yourself three questions:
- What does the text say about God?
- What does the text say about me/us?
- What does the text say about my life right now?
I am thankful and live under His blessing and protection.
1) 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)
2) 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)
3) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
4) 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 6:33–34)
5) Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
I am not alone.
6) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
7) The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
8) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
9) In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
10) The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
What do I really believe in these challenging times?
I believe in an almighty, good God. I believe in a good Father who says that I never need to be afraid! He encourages me to trust Him and rest in Him. I do not need to worry as I have been given the Holy Spirit. I will not let worry and discouragement grip my heart, I am not alone, I am part of a body, God’s people. I have an unshakeable peace and I can lie down and sleep in peace every night secure in the knowledge that God lets me rest secure. I am thankful and live under His protection and blessing.
We do not know what awaits us, but God’s living Word gives us promises which we can ponder and receive nourishment from, regardless of the circumstances.
If you have the opportunity in the coming days, take time to read the verses in their context. This makes the verses richer and gives you a better understanding of the big picture.
Perhaps this will help you to take the Bible more seriously, to stop and think more in your everyday walk in the future.
This article is published with permission from sennep.net