Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

bible verses Archive

Friday

30

June 2017

Hope Reflected | Rest

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him Psalm 37:7 | Hope Reflected

Rest

The past week has been a rather frustrating one for me. Vestibular neuritis – also known as vertigo – has been providing me with all the feelings of dizziness, imbalance, headache, earache, and nausea, and as a result I’ve been spending a majority of my time horizontal (including as I write this). If you’ve ever had vertigo, you understand the sensation I’m writing about. And just when you start to feel like you’re getting over it, one sudden movement in the wrong direction sets you right back where you started.

Spending a week basically doing nothing but being still has afforded me with many hours to contemplate questions such as, “Why is this happening to me?” “What am I missing at work?” “Why does this have to happen right now?” “How long will this affect me?” and “What are you trying to tell me, God?” I asked Wes, my parents, and a couple of close friends the same questions, and interestingly enough, everyone said the same thing: “Maybe this is God’s way of telling you that you need to rest.”

Rest should be a natural part of our lives, but so often when we’re running through the motions of life, admittedly, we forget to take time to rest. Rest in each other’s company, rest in the company of those we love, rest in our home, rest in the miracles of God’s creation like the roses blooming in our front yard, or the birds nesting in the trees across our property. The Roman poet Ovid said, “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.” We can’t give our best or properly serve if we don’t take time to rest.

This idea of rest brings to mind several Scripture references. It’s interesting to note that depending which translation of the Bible you read, sometimes rest is referred to as “wait”. To wait suggests that we need patience, and I’m not sure if that’s fitting, ironic, or both.

Here are ten Bible verses about rest that I hope will encourage and reassure you as you learn patience and seek true rest:

  1. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
  2. “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!” 1 Samuel 12:16
  3. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.” Psalm 37:7
  4. “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” Psalm 62:5
  5. “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” Psalm 119:114
  6. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4
  7. – 9. “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
  1. “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Christ alone is able to give us rest in every area of our lives. As A.W. Tozer once said, “You can’t truly rest until every area in your life rests in God.” Once you’ve started, it’s so easy to keep running that perhaps sometimes we just need a reminder to rest (free lesson in patience included).

Originally published as “Rest.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. June 15, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Tuesday

30

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Sounds Good

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

sounds good what does the Bible say about standing up for what is right

Sounds Good

Sometimes, the very topics we’re fearful to bring up in conversation or talk about because we don’t want to offend another are the very things that others are thinking about. By now, we’ve all heard of the “silent majority”, and the silent majority goes well beyond the lines of politics.

If we don’t step up and stand out, we’re never to going to make an impact. Too often, fear – of speaking up because we’re afraid of offending someone, or of speaking our mind because we don’t want others to take what we say the wrong way – causes us to remain silent, and silence is what got the world to the state it’s at today.

Since when do we have to be silent because we’re afraid of offending someone? Since when did we get the right to not be offended? And who thinks realistically that we can go through our entire lives and never be offended by what someone else says? Unless each of us lived our lives in a bubble, there’s always going to be someone who disagrees and has a different opinion. We can’t live in fear of offending others just because we may have differing viewpoints.

Here’s what the Bible says about standing up for what is right.

Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” If you ignore something or don’t say anything, you condone it. See also the old saying, “He who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” There is a danger in not standing up for what is right.

Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Remember what we’re told in Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Standing up for what is right doesn’t necessarily mean you’re leading a protest or standing on a stage with a microphone; no, standing up for what is right is as simple as truly living what you believe and aligning your walk with your talk.

Galatians 6:7-10 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” It’s easy to get caught up in all the woes of the world, however it’s important that we don’t lose sight of eternity. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t continue standing up for what’s right; it means that ultimately, God is in control, and when we feel discouraged or disheartened, we need to remember that He’s got this in the palm of His hand.

James 4:17 “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Recently, I read a short piece by Franklin Graham, where he spoke about personal feelings and how ultimately, regardless of our own feelings or inclinations, God is the authority. This poignant piece about Biblical correctness really resonated with me, because it can be easy to get caught up in our own definition of what’s “good” or “right”, but it only matters if that aligns with what God says in His Word.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

Originally published as “Sounds Good.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. May 4, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Friday

26

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Timeliness

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

timeliness God's timing

Timeliness

If you garden, you know that during the early days of Spring, it can prove a challenge to know the right timing for tasks that need to be completed. This year, I questioned the right time to trim back the rose bushes. Wes wondered about the ideal time to re-seed the lawn. Together, we’re still debating where several annuals should be planted throughout the garden. Timing is everything.

The timing you’re struggling with may not be related to gardening; maybe you’re waiting to hear back about that job application, or perhaps you’re waiting and wondering why you’re single when it seems as though all your friends are getting married and starting a family, or maybe you’re questioning the inconvenience of a recent health challenge.

Timing is everything.

  1. There is a time for everything. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Chances are that even if you haven’t read the book of Ecclesiastes, you’ve likely heard the famous song by The Byrds called, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” where we hear that, “To everything (turn, turn, turn) there is a season (turn, turn, turn),” and it’s true. There is a season and a time for everything. Happiness. Sadness. Love. Heartache. Health. Sickness. Life. Death. The important thing to remember is that God is in control, and it’s God Who has a perfect timing for everything.
  2. Sometimes (OK most of the time), our timing is not the best. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Have you ever been held up in a traffic jam, feeling frustrated that you’re going to be late? Or have you ever hesitated to make a decision, only to make your choice and find out that the house is off the market/tickets are sold out/position has been filled? We think we’ve got it all together, and we’ve got everything planned out perfectly (according to us) in our minds, however the reality often is that God’s timing is not our timing (and written from experience, God’s timing is ALWAYS the best).
  3. Ultimately, our timing is in God’s hands. “My times are in your hand.” (Psalm 31:15a) Whether or not you’re a Christian, God is in control. God is omniscient (read: He knows everything), and He makes no mistakes. That can be a hard truth to accept, especially when things aren’t going the way I want them to. Frequently, I have to catch myself when things aren’t going my way, and remind myself that God’s timing is greater than anything I could ever imagine. Jesus Himself said in John 13:7, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”
  4. We can trust in God’s timing. “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) Trust can be difficult, especially if you’ve been hurt before, however when you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, He will never let you down. “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:25-26)

God’s timing is perfect. You may think you know the right time for everything, but remember what Elisabeth Elliot said: “God never denies us our heart’s desire except to give us something better.” If you’re questioning the timing of something in your life, keep in mind that God frequently answers our prayers in one of three ways: With a “yes”, with a “not yet”, or with “I have something better in mind.”

 

Originally published as “Timeliness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. April 27, 2017: 7. Print. Web.

Monday

15

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Grace and Mercy: Two sides of the coin

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grace and mercy

Grace and Mercy: Two sides of the coin

You check into a nice hotel, and the hostess behind the desk gives you a free upgrade to a better room. Rather than staying in a basic room, you’re now enjoying the evening in a luxury suite. This is an example of grace – you’re receiving something that you don’t deserve and you didn’t do anything to earn.

You’re driving down the highway doing more than 100km in an 80km zone and you get pulled over. Rather than hit you with a ticket for speeding, the police officer who pulls you over lets you off with a warning. This would be an example of mercy – you’re not getting what you really deserve.

There are several examples of grace and mercy that each of us experience in life, but by far the most powerful examples of grace and mercy that we could ever experience are those that come to us from God.

Millard Erickson once said, “God’s mercy is His tenderhearted, loving compassion for His people. It is His tenderness of heart toward the needy. If grace contemplates humans as sinful, guilty, and condemned, mercy sees them as miserable and needy.”

It is interesting to note that grace is mentioned 170 times in the Bible, and mercy is mentioned 273 times. Grace is defined as God’s unmerited favour. Mercy, on the other hand, is defined as not getting what we truly deserve.

So how can we take these godly traits and exercise them in each of our own lives? We’re humans, so our human nature often makes it difficult for us to display grace and mercy to others, because neither attribute comes naturally to us.

  • We can demonstrate grace through our words. “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6) As Christians, we are called to season our speech with salt and to speak with grace. This can be so hard, am I right?! Sometimes it seems like it’s easier to complain, to talk about that person behind his or her back, or to let our frustrations out through our words. Demonstrating grace means exercising caution and kindness when we’re speaking to others. It means using language that is edifying and words that build up, rather than words that insult or tear down.
  • We can demonstrate mercy through our actions. “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) Maybe someone’s done you wrong, or thrown you under the bus. Your immediate instinct – and mine – is to react. But, that immediate reaction, is it to show mercy to your offender? If you’re anything like me, the answer is probably not. When someone acts out against you and is a total jerk, a good rule of thumb is to take a breath. Wait a while before you respond to that email, stay silent until you’re prepared to provide a level-headed answer. Rather than react in the same manner as your offender, react with mercy and you’ll be surprised with how it goes over (see Proverbs 25:22). Remember, resolution over retaliation!

Living a life filled with grace and mercy isn’t always easy; on the contrary, because these two godly traits don’t come naturally to us, we must rely on our Heavenly Father to live and practice grace and mercy. It’s only because of God’s own grace and mercy that we can even begin to exhibit these traits. As sinners, we are condemned and deserve God’s wrath, but by His grace, He saved us, and in His mercy He has granted us eternal life. God’s grace is immeasurable, and God’s mercy is inexhaustible. The best part? God’s grace and God’s mercy are available to anyone who chooses to believe in Christ as their personal Saviour.

 

Originally published as “Grace and Mercy: Two Sides of the Coin.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. April 6, 2017: Web.

Thursday

11

May 2017

Monday

8

May 2017

Hope Reflected | Wisdom | 5 Characteristics of the Wise

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wisdom 5 characteristics of the wise

Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16) Defined as the “capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, especially in practical affairs,” wisdom has been sought after for ages.

The word wisdom is used 234 times throughout the Bible (54 times in the book of Proverbs alone). Wisdom is an incredibly important virtue that is imperative to living a fulfilling and godly life. People often confuse wisdom with knowledge when in fact the two are completely different. Knowledge is the gathering and learning of facts and information while wisdom is understanding which of those facts and pieces of information are true, and how those facts and information apply to one’s life. Ironically, Jimi Hendrix described the difference like this: “Knowledge speaks but wisdom listens.”

As Christians, we are called to seek after wisdom and pursue it. Throughout the Bible we read of several examples of wise – and unwise – men and women and the role that wisdom – or a lack thereof – played in each one of their lives. There are several telltale characteristics of a wise person:

  1. Wise people heed instruction. “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Proverbs 13:1) Wise people accept constructive criticism and grow from it; they listen to the advice of their elders who’ve “been there and done that”. As my Mum once told me, “You can learn from your mistakes, or you can learn from the mistakes of others and then choose not to make the same mistakes yourself.” Wise people consider, and follow instruction. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” (Proverbs 19:20).
  2. Wise people listen. “A wise man will hear,” (Proverbs 1:5), “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) If you’re wise, you’ll take the time to listen. The struggle is real, am I right?! Sometimes everything in me wants to speak when really what I need to do is listen. If you’re struggling to listen, remember the old adage: “If you seek wisdom, be silent.” “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” (Proverbs 17:28).
  3. Wise people plan ahead. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1) You’ve likely heard of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. In Proverbs 14:1 we’re told of the wise woman who builds her house. At the time this Proverb was written, women were very involved in the managing and planning of their husbands’ estates (for more on this, read Proverbs 31). Whether you’re a woman or a man, if you’re living wisely, you’re working your best to provide for your family, to improve their lives, not just for now, but for the future as well.
  4. Wise people encourage one another. “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21) The book of Proverbs is filled with examples of guarding your tongue and thinking before you speak. Wise people encourage, exhort, and uplift those around them. They build others up rather than tear them down. They act with discernment and want to have good relationships (see also Proverbs 11:12).
  5. Wise people work hard and save. “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.” (Proverbs 24:3) You build up for yourself and for your family through wise and prudent management, and by working diligently. Proverbs 10:4-5 says, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

There are so many characteristics of people who are wise, perhaps most especially that they consistently pursue that very virtue. Charles Spurgeon once said that wisdom is “the right use of knowledge.” Use your knowledge to discern what is truly important in this world, and eternity. If you’re searching for wisdom, ask God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

Originally published as “Wisdom | 5 characteristics of the wise.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 16, 2017: 7. Print.

Friday

24

March 2017

Hope Reflected | The power of the tongue

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

power of the tongue james 3:8

The power of the tongue

One thing that we all have in common is that at some point or another, each one of us, – inevitably, – is going to say something we don’t mean. You may make a comment in the middle of an argument, or maybe it will be something you say behind someone’s back, or perhaps you’ll speak words to someone that just don’t come out right. Or, as Wes experienced this past week, you may say something about a complete stranger that you instantly regret. The tongue. At some point in each one of our lives, our tongues are going to hurt someone else and cause us trouble.

The problem with the tongue is that once you say something, you can’t take it back. James 3:5 tells us, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” We all need to learn how to guard our tongues and watch our mouths.

There’s the old saying that goes, “God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t so that should tell us something.” It’s so true, isn’t it? How often we speak words in haste when really we should be just as quick to listen. I write that quickly, like it’s no big deal and easy to do, when the reality is more often than not quite different. I struggle at least a couple of times a day to listen when everything in me wants to interrupt. It’s like, sometimes when someone else is speaking and telling me something, the time I should be spending listening to them, I’m actually formulating my response to them in my head. That’s not right. We are called to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19) Don’t underestimate the power of the tongue.

  1. Once you say it, you can’t take it back. “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (Proverbs 12:18) Like the toothpaste leaving the tube analogy, once you speak words, you can’t “un-speak” them. That’s why it’s so important to consider our words before saying them aloud.
  2. Actions speak louder than words. “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) There’s the saying that goes, “You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.” The way you live is just – or more – important than the words you speak. There is no such thing as a part-time Christian. Living a life that is pleasing to God happens every day of the week, every where, – whether you’re in the barn or in the office, – authentic Christian living does not just happen on Sundays while you’re in church.
  3. Take a step back; give it some time. “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3) If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need to take a step back before you react. I’ve learned the hard way – and learned several times, actually – that in the heat of the moment is the wrong time to hit the ‘send’ button on that reactive email or to say something out of spite. Usually, the best practice is just to sleep on it. Give yourself some time to cool off before you answer anyone in a heated tone. “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace.” (Proverbs 17:28)
  4. It’s never too late to apologize and ask forgiveness. “’Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘Return to Me with all your heart.” (Joel 2:12) In earthly terms, words can be forgiven but not forgotten. But God, when we truly repent, He forgives and God has the ability to wash our slate clean and make us white as snow. If we’re truly reflecting a life lived for Him, we’ll seek forgiveness to those we’ve wronged through our words (and our actions). It’s never too late to seek forgiveness, and you might be surprised how well received a sincere apology will be.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” James 3:7-8 shares that “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue.” It may be small, but the tongue is a mighty weapon. May each of our words speak love and truth.

 

Originally published as “The power of the tongue.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 9, 2017: 8. Print.

Friday

10

March 2017

Hope Reflected | Bitterness

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

 

bitterness

 

Cain and Abel. Saul and David. Hillary and Donald (OK maybe not so much the latter as Hillary did handle herself gracefully after Donald won the election). Bitterness. It dates back as early as the book of Genesis, and it’s still consuming people to this very day.

Just saying the word sounds sharp. Bitterness blinds, blocks, hurts, and steals. Like its cousin comparison, bitterness is a thief. If you let it creep in, bitterness will steal your joy. You may think you’re above being bitter, but guess what? You’re not. Who can blame you? That person last week who gave you a back-handed compliment, you’re right! It was rude and it wasn’t fair. That person who purposefully tried to sabotage you and throw you under the bus? Of course you feel completely justified in not speaking to them. Bitterness. It’s the antithesis of sweetness.

Last week when I came home ranting and raving about some rude comments that someone made, Wes (almost always the voice of reason) reminded me that while others may speak out of spite or selfishness, as Christians we’re called to be careful about our reactions. While it may be tempting for me to get upset, or to carry hard feelings, ultimately the only person that it’s going to hurt, is me.

Here’s what I know about bitterness:

  1. Bitterness makes you lonely.
  2. Bitterness hurts other people.
  3. Bitterness hurts you more than it hurts other people.
  4. Bitterness blinds your eyes to beauty.
  5. Bitterness bars your soul from love.

When it’s put like that, bitterness kind of loses its attractiveness, doesn’t it? So when we’re feeling wronged or like someone’s hurt us, or like the situation we’re in just won’t get better, what should we do instead of becoming bitter?

 

  1. Pray about it. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25) Is it another person or a certain situation that’s caused you to feel bitter? Pray about it! Take it to the Lord and pray for the person who hurt you, and pray for the situation of which you’re in the middle. Pray that God will help you forgive and move forward.
  2. Put your faith and hope in God and trust His power. “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) No matter who hurt you, and no matter how huge that situation you’re in may seem, God is bigger. Seriously. He made the sun, moon and stars. He is the One Who knows every grain of sand and every bird of the sky. He created you. Though you may not know it – or think it – He’s got a reason for everything (Isaiah 55: 8-9).
  3. Focus on the good – and right – things. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) Don’t let your mind go where it shouldn’t. Is it easy? Not always! Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to focus on the negative, but harbouring bitterness will only hurt you. When you catch yourself focusing on the negative, bring it back and focus on the good.
  4. Let go, and let God. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21) Only the Lord can free you from your bitterness, so it’s only by seeking Him that you will ever be free from your bitterness.

Don’t get bitter; give it to God and get better. As Dave Willis says, “Bitterness and love can’t live together in the same heart. Each day, we must decide which one gets to stay.”

Originally published as “Bitterness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 2, 2017: 8. Print.

Wednesday

22

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Faith

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

faith

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

We know from reading the book of Hebrews that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Facts about faith:

Prayer, fellowship, and quality time in God’s Word are the essentials of a strong faith.

Trust, assurance, confidence, and a firm foundation in Christ are the results of a strong faith.

Looking to strengthen your faith and your relationship with God? Get into His Word. Having a relationship with God doesn’t always make things easy, but it makes them possible.

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

 

Monday

6

February 2017

20 “But God” Verses of Encouragement

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

20 But God verses of encouragement

If you’re feeling down, sad, small, lonely, afraid, brokenhearted, or like everything (and everyone) is working against you, remember this: God created you for a purpose that only you can fulfill, and God, He’s in control.

Yes, sometimes people will do things with the wrong intentions, in an attempt to cause you problems, to purposefully hurt you, or to set up stumbling blocks in your life. Yes, you will have bad days, sad days, and mad days. Yes, you may endure seasons (sometimes back to back to back) where it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world.

When I’m in need of encouragement, or even a reminder of Who’s really in control, I look up some of the greatest verses in the Bible — the “But God” verses.

“But God”, you ask? Yes! Some of the most incredible plot twists in the Bible happen with two words: But. God. Here are 20 of the best “But God” verses to encourage you today:

  • Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
  • Exodus 13:18 “But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea; and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.”
  • Deuteronomy 23:5 “…but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.”
  • 1 Samuel 23:14 “And Saul sought him [David] every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”
  • 1 Kings 5:4 “But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”
  • Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.”
  • Psalm 66:19 “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.”
  • Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faith: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
  • Psalm 75:7 “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
  • Psalm 86:15 “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
  • Jeremiah 10:10 “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath shall the earth tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”
  • Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
  • Mark 2:7 “Who can forgive sings but God only?”
  • Mark 10:27 “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things possible.”
  • Luke 16:15 “…but God knoweth your hearts.”
  • Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him.”
  • Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
  • 1 Corinthians 3: 7 “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
  • Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
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