It can be difficult to know exactly what to say to a friend who is hurting. We worry that our words will sound generic or cliche. Especially when we haven’t personally experienced the trial they are going through, we can find ourselves at a loss for words.
Sharing Bible verses is always a good way to reach out. The Word of God is comforting and inspiring, even in the most difficult of times. Sending Bible verses through text, email, or written letter is a great way to express how much we care, while also reminding our friends how much God cares. Here are 20 Bible verses with encouraging messages to send to a friend in need.
1. God is faithful.
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
(Deuteronomy 7:9)
Even when we feel like there is no one to turn to—that no one understands, God is there. He is faithful and trustworthy in every situation.
2. God is with you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Joshua 1:9)
There is no place too high or too deep that God is not there (Psalm 139:7-9). With courage, we can face tomorrow, and know that He is with us wherever we go.
3. God understands.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”
(Isaiah 30:28)
In every way, Jesus was tempted when he walked the earth. He sympathizes with us. He understands us better than we understand ourselves.
4. God gives us strength.
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”
(Isaiah 30:29)
It can be heartbreaking to watch a friend go through a difficult time and feel powerless to change it. That’s when Scriptures that describe God’s mighty strength are needed. For it is never about our own power or might, but by His Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)
5. God renews.
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
(Isaiah 30:31)
Waiting on God is rarely a comfortable experience. Usually, we want to move past the trial into easier times. However, there is strength in the waiting… a building of our faith. And in the Lord’s perfect time, He will lift us up.[/vc_column_text]
6. He works for our good.
“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.”
(Romans 8:28)
This frequently used verse reminds us that God will work everything out for our good. Even the things that seem insurmountable will be used to build our faith and draw us closer to Him.
7. God is on your side.
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
(Romans 8:31)
When our friends feel defenseless, we can assure them that God is on their side. He will be the one to defend them and uphold them with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
8. God comforts us when we are fearful.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:4)
Some may ask how a rod and staff can be comforting, but just as the shepherd prods the sheep to stay within the fold, we, too, are comforted by God’s loving hand of guidance.
9. There is hope in God.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”
(Psalm 42:5)
So often, we just need a thread of hope to hold on to. In hard times, let God be your hope. He is the best One to change despair into rejoicing.
10. God will sustain you.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
(Psalm 55:22)
The Lord upholds us, keeping us steadfast and sure. We are secure in his hand and He will sustain us.
11. The Lord is our strength.
“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”
(Psalm 118:14)
Even in times of pain, there is no greater joy than knowing we are saved. His salvation is always worth singing about.
12. Our help comes from the Lord.
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 121:1-2)
God is our true help in times of trouble. He knows better than anyone exactly what we need, and when we need it. We don’t have to look far to find Him. His Spirit lives in us, to cheer and to guide.
13. The Lord establishes us.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
(Proverbs 16:3)
Even when everything around us seems unstable, God secures us and establishes us. When we surrender everything to His will, He is faithful to give us a clear mind and heart.
14. The Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”
(Nahum 1:7)
Normally, we think of strongholds as negative things. But the stronghold of God is good—a safeguard in the day of trouble.
15. God is mighty to save.
“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17)
There is an old chorus that says, “Our Savior can move the mountains. He is mighty to save!” Let the Lord God rejoice over you and move the mountains in your life!
16. The Lord gives rest to the weary.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
No matter how heavy the burden, God’s got it. We can choose to lay it down and rest in the fold of His arms. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
17. The peace of God surpasses all understanding.
“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.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)
This Bible passage gives us such comfort in troubling times! At just the right moment, and in just the right way, God sends peace that only He can give.
18. God helps us in our temptations.
“For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
(Hebrews 2:18)
Because Jesus was fully God and fully man, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He is our help in time of temptation, and nothing is impossible for Him.
19. God cares for you.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
(1 Peter 5:6-7)
If ever there is Someone who genuinely cares, it is God. He cares about every single thing in our lives. He is waiting for us to release our cares to Him.
20. God will help you overcome.
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
(1 John 4:4)
Oh, the joy of knowing that the Holy Spirit who lives in us is greater than the one who lives in the world! In times of hardship, we can cling to the truth that in Christ Jesus, we have overcome.