The 7 Most Encouraging Bible Verses

It’s a fact.

The Bible is the world’s best-selling and most widely distributed book. Its 31,102 verses continue to inspire and encourage people through difficult times.

Based on the Bible verse lists compiled and published by BibleGateway.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and YouVersion.com, here are the seven most popular encouraging Bible verses, taken from the New King James Version (NKJV):

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

If there’s anything we need right now, it’s hope.

Bad news is everywhere. It underscores the fact that we are living in dangerous times. No place is totally safe or peaceful any longer.

We ask: Will we ever return to a time when we can walk the streets without fear of being bombed, kidnapped, shot, or raped? Do we really have a future?

This verse is so encouraging because it shows us that God has good plans for us. Not only for the world in general, but also for our individual lives in particular.

Contrary to what many believe, God is not aching to send billions of people to hell. He loves all people, and that’s why Christ came — to save and not to destroy.

The Bible reveals that our Savior is coming back to establish a literal world-ruling government of peace and prosperity — the kingdom of God — here on earth!

2. Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Trusting God takes a lot of faith and humility. It takes faith and humility to admit that we don’t have all the answers.

But how many times have we decided without consulting God? How many times have we done things our way, only to suffer the painful consequences?

This verse reminds us of the need to trust God’s wisdom with all our heart. It warns us about relying on our own limited understanding.

Whether it’s a question of which career to pursue, whom to marry, or where to reside, we all need the constant guidance and direction of God.

3. Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Can we really do anything and everything we put our mind to?

You might think so, if you listen to the positive-thinking experts and “gurus” of the world. The truth is, we have limitations, and we cannot do everything and anything.

We’re human, but the power to do anything and everything comes from God alone. When we rely on Him for the power to achieve and overcome, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.

When God told Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, Sarah laughed. Why wouldn’t she? Abraham was 100 and she was pushing 90.

But God said, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).

That’s a serious question we also need to answer.

4. Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

We don’t always understand why God allows what He allows in our lives.

We just don’t see the reasons for the things that happen. But let’s be assured that God knows what He is doing.

Sometimes, we pray, and pray, but do not receive the answers to those prayers. We worry when He doesn’t answer in the time or way we expect.

But just trust that He knows what is best. Someday, we may be shocked. We will be thanking God that He hasn’t answered all our prayers!

5. Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Among the six universal emotions people feel — happiness, sadness, surprise, fear, disgust, and anger — most of them are negative.

One of the most common negative emotions is fear. So the Bible keeps repeating, over and over: “Fear not. Be not afraid.”

God knows our human nature. We are often afraid and fearful. Therefore, God assures and comforts us with the truth that He is with us, and that He will help and support us, all the way to the end, if we don’t give up.

6. Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Do you enjoy standing out like a sore thumb? I guess not.

Most people today want to conform. We fear standing out, being different, being “weird.” We tend to conform with what everyone else is thinking, saying, or doing.

But this is our challenge: To be different. Not for the sake of being different, but to follow Him and be conformed to the character of Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ). We were called to be like Him. To think different, and to act different. This is our challenge.

7. Philippians 4:6–7

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus [Messiah Yahshua].”

Finally, we are reminded that worrying is counter-productive. Instead of worrying and feeling anxious, we need to go to God — not only with the thoughts in our mind (prayer), but also with the emotions in our heart (supplication).

But let’s not forget to thank God first. We often go to God and start with the gimmes — gimme this, gimme that. But God is pleased when we first thank Him for the blessings He has already given us.

Humbly present your requests before Him. Then wait for His answer.

You can be at peace.

Question: What is your favorite encouraging Bible verse not mentioned above? Let me know in the comments.