WHEN TROUBLES COME: MY GO-TO VERSES
Whenever I feel confused or overwhelmed by the burdens in my life or others, I have a few scriptures that I hold near. I believe God’s word is 100% true, and His promises are absolute and made perfect in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). So, recalling these specific verses does a few things:
1. It helps to ground myself.
Instead of allowing my emotions to spiral out of control, I can go to what I know to be absolute truth and repeat God’s words to nurture my hurting heart and confused mind. As I do so, I can breathe a little easier.
2. It gives me something to offer others.
Some of the greatest hurts come from well-meaning people who repeat catchy yet hurtful and often untrue cliches. If you are feeling the need to provide a word of comfort to someone hurting, sharing God’s Word and saying you will pray for them is some of the best support you can give. {I share this with a caveat: Sometimes, you do not need to say anything. Listen to the Holy Spirits’ guidance.}
3. It guides my prayers.
There are times that I am lost for words in prayer. Yet, the scriptures give me direction when praying, and I know that because they are God’s words, they will please Him as I intercede for those hurting. If you or someone you know is burdened {I am sure there is someone}, I encourage you to take a moment after reading each scripture below and pray the verses over the situation.
I hope these scripture references will provide comfort as you nurture your heart and others during whatever troubles come your way.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Reflect and Connect
What are your go-to verses in times of trials?
Describe a time the scriptures comforted you or someone else during a time of suffering.
From your experience, what have you learned about bearing one another’s burdens?
