Encourage Your Heart

God’s Word is a source of hope and encouragement. The more we expose our hearts to the Truth of God’s Word, the more our minds are renewed and our lives transformed. May these verses bless you and remind you of the hope we have in Christ. Consider writing one of these verses out on a 3x5 card and putting it in a place to prompt you to memorize and meditate on God’s Word this week.

John 16:33

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

This verse affirms the reality that we will face tribulation. We will walk through hard times. There is no such thing as an easy life. While this doesn’t seem like encouraging news, it’s the next part of the verse that is comforting. Take heart. Why? Because Jesus has already won the victory! Yes, we have to walk through the hardship and finish the journey, but we know the end of the story. Eternity awaits! The victory is ours in Christ. No matter what we experience and walk through on this side of heaven, we are never alone in the trails. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm and He upholds us with His victorious right arm.

Psalm 34:4-5, 8

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”

When we turn to the Lord and truly seek Him with all of our hearts, He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13). He is a God who answers prayer. He is a God who is able to deliver us from all of our fears. When we turn to Him and truly behold Him as He is, He transforms us in the light of His glory and grace. Just as Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of the Lord, we too have access to enter in to the presence of the Lord and receive what He has for us. Taste and see…try it…don’t just take my word for it, pursue His presence! Be intentional to quiet your heart before Him and wait for Him. He is good! And blessed is the man (or woman) who takes refuge in Him! Amen!

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Are you full of joy and peace? I know I experience many times when I cannot say that I am. But, our God is a God of hope and He is able to fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. In fact, He can fill us to the point that we overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Doesn’t this make you think of John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” The Holy Spirit is our comforter and teacher and He is able to remind us of all Truth. May we experience the fullness of hope and joy and peace that are ours in Christ Jesus as we walk in faith and allow Him to flow in and through us.

Isaiah 41:13

"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'"

Why are there so many “fear not” commands in Scripture? Maybe because God knew we would be a people prone to fear? Maybe because He understands our weakness? This Scripture tells us why we have no need to fear…because I (that is God almighty, commander of heaven’s armies) am the one who helps you. He is the God of the impossible. Nothing is too hard for him. This same God is the one who holds you by your right hand. Can you see Him there, right beside you, gently saying “Fear not, I am with you.”? He is.

Psalm 94:18-19

“When I thought, "My foot slips," Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”

Have you ever seen a mountain goat running along the side of a ridiculously steep “cliff”? It is a sight to behold! That is the picture I get when I read “My foot slips” in this verse. It’s the kind of feeling that can cause terror to arise in your heart, not like you’re standing on solid ground and slip a little bit, but like “oh my goodness my life is about to fall apart” kind of feeling. In times like these what helps us up? The steadfast love of the Lord. This is the only solid foundation we have on which to stand. When we are overwhelmed with cares and concerns we can bring them to the Lord in prayer and He delights to take our burdens and console and comfort us as His children.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

How do we truth in the LORD with all of our hearts? I don’t know fully, but one thing I do is ask Him for grace to trust Him more. The part of this verse that says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him” has been near and dear to my heart for a while know. Did you know the Hebrew word used here for “acknowledge” is the word “yada” - it means to “dwell intimately with”. In all your ways, walk in close relationship with the Lord, share intimately with Him your thoughts, feelings, dreams, desires, etc and listen to what He wants to share with you. Then He will lead you in the way you should go; He will make the path before You clear as You seek Him first with all your heart.