We live in troublesome times with pandemics, economic woes, healthcare crises and more, yet our Heavenly Father can always be trusted. Always. He knows the plans He has for us (see Jeremiah 29:11) and we can have peace even in the midst of confusion as we find a new normal.
Jesus speaks peace to us in John 16:33: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
The Bible is filled with promises for chaotic times, and it's often where I go to search for strength. May these verses be an encouragement to you (All scriptures are from the New Living Translation):
2 Samuel 22:31: God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
Psalm 4:1: Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 23:1-3: The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Psalm 27:5: For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Psalm 27:14: Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 31:7: I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.
Psalm 31:24: So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord.
Psalm 34:17: The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
Psalm 55:22: Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
Psalm 91:4: He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 94:19: When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 120:1: I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
Psalm 130:5: I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
Isaiah 40:8: The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:29: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Isaiah 40:31: But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:13: For I hold you by your right hand-I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, "Don't be afraid. I am here to help you."
Isaiah 49:13: Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.
Isaiah 50:10: Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.
Jeremiah 17:7: But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
Nahum 1:7: The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.
Matthew 6:31–34: Don't worry about these things, saying, "What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?" These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Luke 12:6–7: What is the price of five sparrows-two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 6:34: So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
John 14:27: I am leaving you with a gift -peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
Romans 15:13: I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:33: For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God's holy people.
2 Corinthians 4:8: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
Philippians 4:12–13: I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
2 Peter 1:2: May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
2 John 1:3: Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ-the Son of the Father-will continue to be with us who live in truth and love.
Many other great promises are found in the Bible. I encourage you to do a word study or search (peace, comfort, fear, etc.) at http://www.BibleGateway.com or with a concordance to discover even more hope through difficulties.
Elaine McAllister is author of Celebrate Grandparenting. Check out her blog at http://www.ElaineMcAllister.com
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
