Many of these verses speak for themselves, but I will try to at least put what they mean to me. I’ve focused on stress, comfort, and anxiety with these verses. It seems that many people I know have a lot of things going on right now, and that if these words can bring a little peace to them, then I am glad. All verses come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him.
– Take refuge in the Lord. It does not mean to hide away, but it means that you have someone you can lean on when you are weak. Someone who will help you when you need help. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone with your troubles, because the Lord is always there to protect and help you.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
– This doesn’t need much explanation. Take from this that if you feel the need to mourn, do so. You will be comforted. Do not be afraid to mourn, or to feel that you mourn alone. The Lord is there to comfort you in your time of need. It is natural to mourn, and you should always feel free to mourn a loss.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
– This is something you can write on a card and put it in your wallet or purse. When it feels like there is just too much, you can let the Lord help carry your burden. There is always help available for your problems. No matter how large your burden, no matter how hard, you can look to the Lord for guidance.
Psalm 34:17-19
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.
– We all have many problems and sadnesses. This reminds me that the Lord is there for those who are feeling down from all their worries. It is another reminder that no matter how bad things get, the Lord will save you from your problems and your worries. You just need to ask for guidance, and the Lord shall provide.
Matthew 6:25-29
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
– This really does speak for itself. Do not worry so much about every little detail of life. We do not need to worry and dwell on small things, as the Lord will help us and take care of us. All we have to do is look to him for the strength to let go of our worries.
Proverbs 12:23
Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.
– And something for everyone to remember, a kind word helps. If you know someone who is anxious, who is struggling, who is trying to cope with life’s problems, give them a good word. Be kind to them, and you will both feel better. Sometimes a kind word is all that is needed to help someone move past a hardship and overcome a struggle.
I hope that these verses can help you, or help you help someone you care about. Remember that kindness is the cornerstone of Christianity, and it should come before all else.