If you've been feeling unmotivated, lost, or anxious recently, you're definitely not alone. The global health crisis brought by COVID-19 -- coupled with the quarantines and physical distancing measures -- give such a bleak color to our days that it's easy for us to feel down and out.
The good news is that even in this very modern conundrum, we have the Bible to rely on for timeless messages of hope and comfort. When read and internalized, these passages can be so inspiring, especially when we understand that this is the Word of God given to us to strengthen our spirit. Read and ponder on these Bible verses daily, or any time you need a boost.
1. "The Lord will keep you from all harm -- He will watch over your life."
Psalm 121:7
Isn't it so comforting to hear that the Lord Himself watches over us? You will note, however, that the first part of this Bible verse ("The Lord will keep you from harm") may not always be felt in the physical, material context of our world. All of us experience some form of hurt in this world, one way or another. But the Almighty ensures that nothing happens to us that is not part of His plan. Despite our hardships on earth, if we stay with Him, we can ultimately find an eternity where no harm befalls us.
2. "Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay."
Ruth 1:16
This lovely Bible quote is uttered by Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi, after Ruth's sister has gone back to their hometown and their old gods. But Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, saying "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God."
While this verse expresses the strong relationship between these relatives, it also shows the role of godly faith in that relationship. Ruth shares her mother-in-law's faith as a sign of solidarity with her. During these times of physical distance, we continue to be united with our loved ones through our shared devotion to God. Even while we cannot spend as much time with each other or even attend church services in person, we 'stay' with them by keeping them in our prayers and upholding the familial love we espouse as Christians.
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3. "For I know the plans I have for you.
They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
What a beautiful and reassuring passage! It's very helpful to internalize this when anxiety starts to creep in: know that God has everything laid out towards a good future. We may experience worldly troubles here on earth, but our future -- if we wholeheartedly stay with the Lord -- will be the wonderful future He promises. So the message is this: stay strong and faithful through the hardships, because these are parts of God's plan unfolding.
4. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
This motivational Bible verse is a short but powerful motto to keep in mind when you need a little push. Feeling fatigued when working from home? Recite this verse. Worrying about finance? Recite this verse. Having a hard time working on your goals? Recite this verse.
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5. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
"Present your requests to God." This is a key concept that can be valuable to Christians who worry or are afraid. You can try visualizing your worries and fears as an object (a letter, a ball, a bag, etc), and leave it in God's hands. Don't forget the "with thanksgiving" part!
Note that the Bible does not say that the Almighty is a wish-granting machine. Instead, this verse tells us that God will give us an immense peace. Having that peace is much, much better than getting everything we wish for but with chaos in our soul.
6. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33
Here is another reminder that God is in control of all that we are going through. This verse acknowledges that, yes, we experience troubles, but the Lord ultimately wins over all of that.
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7. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
The Bible is full of lines that invite us to lay our burdens in God's hands. This well-known verse from Matthew helps us visualize this more clearly: we 'carry' some heavy things on our backs -- like anxieties and negativity -- but God offers rest like a shady tree on the road or an oasis in the desert.
8. "For He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go."
Psalm 91:11
When we were little, we were comforted by the thought of winged angels standing guard for us everywhere we are. Now, as adults, we can appreciate the seemingly common but incredibly helpful ways that God's angels operate around us: the considerate bus driver, the nice co-worker, the life-saving doctors and nurses, even the random persons who lend a hand at the store or the street.
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9. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise."
Jeremiah 17:4
This Bible verse is not just about physical health, but mainly about our inner wellness. It's important to remember that the poverty of our soul -- our feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, losing direction, etc -- can be cured by the Great Healer. We just have to approach Him and stay in His grace. Remember, too, that when our inner self is healed and at peace, our physical health follows suit.
10. "Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
One short but mighty sentence! It's a power-packed way to convey God's omnipotence: I am God. That's all you need to know.
This is a perfect Bible verse for when you need to calm your nerves and clear your head. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and, in your mind, hear this message: "Be still and know that I am God." Repeat until you feel calmer and reassured by God's power.
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Which one of these Bible verses resonates with you the most? Try a quick reflection on it today, and feel the difference it makes on your disposition.
For more tips for Christian families during the quarantine, see our ideas for family-friendly quarantine activities here.
If you would like to read more motivational Bible quotes, we also have a compilation here.
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