Top Five Encouraging Bible Verses (click to comment)

Could you use a little encouragement today? If so, don’t panic. You’re not alone. There are frightened, frazzled and frustrated people everywhere we turn. Don’t know if you’re one of them? Let me help you decide.

You may need encouragement if:

• The last person who hugged you was trying not to plummet from a cliff.
• The picture you carry in your wallet is of your psychiatrist.
• More that half your daily caloric intake is medication.
• You Photoshop smiles onto all your Facebook pictures.
• The last note of encouragement you received was on the first of April.
• The last time you laughed was playing peek-a-boo over the edge of your crib.
• Not a one of these six things made you smile.

For deep and lasting encouragement, there’s no better place to turn than to the book God gave us. Here are five encouraging verses that can help us grin and walk with some bounce in our step. I urge you not to skim over these verses. Let each word soak and saturate your heart and mind.

1. Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2. Psalm 46:1-2. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
3. Zephaniah 3:17. “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
4. Matthew 11:28-29. “Come to me, all who labour 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.”
5. Philippians 4:6-7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What would you add to this list and why? Is there a verse or passage that’s been an encouragement to you? I’d love to hear about it. It’s your turn to encourage me.