There will come a time in everyone’s life when hope, inspiration and encouragement are needed. God knew that we would face times of hopelessness, fear, and uncertainty. In the Bible, he has given us promises we can remember, read and recite. Even though they were written long ago, the scriptures still apply to our daily lives. Here are some scriptures that have given me strength, inspiration and peace during times of trial:
When I am afraid …
Isaiah 41: 13-For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (New Living Translation Bible)
I have had to face some of my greatest fears in my life; one of them being raising my children alone. This scripture not only says that God is with us, but that he takes our right hand and helps us! I know this without a doubt to be true. I have been a single mother of two children for ten years now. It has not been easy and new challenges continue to arise daily. At times fear creeps in, and I doubt that I can make it through the day. Looking back, I realize I have made it ten years already and I never thought I would make it one day. I know God has carried me through those times of uncertainty and challenges. I keep this scripture close to my heart, because I need to be reminded during those moments of fear of all that he has already guided me through; I then remember that he is holding my right hand, helping me.
When I question things that go wrong in my life…
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”- Job 38:4
The book of Job is about a man, Job, who is very noble and righteous. Job is not given the inside information that we are as the reader of the story. He is not told that there is a battle taking place within the spiritual realm. Satan is convinced that the only reason Job is a faithful servant to God is because of the wonderful things in his life. He is determined to make Job to turn away from God. According to the book, Job’s wife and children are killed, everything he worked for is swept away, and he suffers sores all over his body. God gives Satan permission to bring such destruction upon Job’s life, because he is sure Job will remain faithful. Job never turns from God, but he does begin questioning why? He begins to curse the day he was born. After Job questions God, he responds… “Where were you?”
I have questioned God many, many times when things have not gone the way I think they should go. I have told him how unfair my life is, just like my children tell me when in the midst of a temper tantrum! It can be difficult to get out of that mindset once I am there, but when I read this scripture out loud and…bam!! I have nothing left to say. God is in control, not me. I don’t understand everything, but I must trust in him. I cannot see the things taking place in the spiritual realm, but I must remember that they are indeed taking place.
When I feel like a failure…
“Behold, I make all things new!”-Revelation 21:5
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”-Lamentations 3:22-23
This promise has been very important in my life. I have read these words over and over. Sometimes I think that my mistakes will be mistakes for all of eternity, but this scripture says he makes all things new. New days, new beginnings, and I believe new perspectives. I have come to understand things are not always what they seem. Some of the experiences I thought were the worst that could happen ended up being the best things possible. God can and will make all new things new. the prodigal son who must have felt as if he had failed his family, yet when he returned he was greeted with his father running towards him with open arms. No matter how or why we mess up God still has compassion and mercy towards us.Works Cited
New Living Translation Bible. (n.d.).