Encouraging verses from the Old Testament

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Posted by: WCSG | Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 ( 3:14pm)

We asked WCSG listeners what Bible verses they turn to when times are tough. We’ll be sharing their picks for comforting Scriptures in a series of blog posts. Today we're continuing with listeners’ favorite passages from the Old Testament. Our previous post detailed favorite Psalms for encouragement. You might want to check out that collection as well.

Treasures of Wisdom from the Old Testament

The Old Testament books were written prior to the coming of our Savior Jesus. They are the holy words of God He himself studied and quoted during his time on earth. They are rich with history, wisdom, and prophesy that we should treasure. Read on for the passages our listeners have found most comforting.

All verses shown are from the New International Version (NIV) translation.

WCSG Listeners' Favorite Old Testament Bible Verses for Encouragement and Comfort

Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

Isaiah 40:31
…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

Proverbs 16:9 
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
    the great locust and the young locust,
    the other locusts and the locust swarm—
my great army that I sent among you.

Jonah 2:7
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple."

Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

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This list was compiled by WCSG listeners on our Facebook page. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more encouraging conversations like this one!

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