A Gallery of Encouragement: Treasured Words in Challenging Days
The past two weeks have seen a dramatic change in life as we knew it. I’ve been fortunate to communicate via technology with friends and family, and heard phrases, “cabin fever” “new normal”, and “children are restless.” One Mom told me she hasn’t left the house in twelve days. Another is concerned with school assignments. Supermarkets have empty shelves. People wear empty expressions-avoiding interaction for fear a customer they meet in an aisle may be asymptomatic and contagious.
My visits with friends have included encouragement via texts and prayer over Zoom. We’ve asked each other, “What is God teaching you?” “What is your reaction to a calmer pace on these days when you have nothing scheduled?” Some are keeping journals; most ‘stockpiling” scriptures which have encouraged them and led them to know God in deeper ways. It’s been an indescribable joy to share words of peace and grace with each other in uncertain times.
This week, I offer a gallery of encouragement- treasured words of hope and promise; words to lift your soul and quiet your heart. As you scroll through these treasures, I hope one or two will speak to you.
Please share in the comments why a verse is especially meaningful, or, would you add a Bible verse–or a quote- that has reassured you in these challenging days? On a larger scale, as others read comments, you’ll encourage someone you may not even know.
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The Conversation
“Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them.” from Isaiah, really speaks tome today.
I’ve been thinking about that a lot, always remembering that my God goes before me, lighting and leading the way.
I have a long enough history with Him to be sure of His trustworthiness.
This is a great post and I love your gallery. Thank you.
Thanks Connie. One of my daughters and her husband chose that verse for their wedding. It is special for each new path we take–especially the unexpected ones as right now. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Blessings, Marilyn
Thank you Ms. Marilyn. For many today, they fear being alone. Thank you for showing us we are never truly alone. He will be with us if we only invite Him to me; each moment of each day. What wonderful comfort comes in that knowledge. God’s blessings ma’am.
You are right, JD, comfort and encouragement. Our Life Group has meet by Zoom for the past two weeks, and for the first half of our time together, we each share scripture that has been meaningful to us–the second half is spent in prayer together. Blessings, Marilyn
Two favorites for me, being sheltered under his wings in Psalm 91. And, Isaiah 26 being kept in perfect peace.
Great selection of hope in His word. Thanks, Marilyn.
Thanks Jeanne Hope: confident and confidence. Thanks for reading and commenting. Marilyn
Beautiful images and the truth to go along with them! Thank you so much for this encouragement today. Prayers you will be filled with Jesus as you pour out to others!
Thank you Emily and to you too. Marilyn
I always rely on Psalm 91 and Philippians 4:6-7 whenever fear and anxiety attack. Thanks for the lovely pictures.
You’re welcome. I am memorizing Psalm 91 now–harder the older I get, but that Psalm has so much in it to cling to. Marilyn
“I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) is a comfort to me. It reminds me of the storm when the disciples were afraid. Jesus calmed their storm and He can calm ours. Your gallery of Scripture memes is a precious gift, Marilyn. Thank you.
You’re welcome Jeannie. Even when we speak in the singular “I”, we are not alone. That is a comfort to me. Blessings, Marilyn
Thank you for this! The one that resonated with me was the “consolation for my anxiety.” God really can calm our minds and provide supernatural peace.
KA, I’m glad the gallery was peace-giving for you. Marilyn