I’ll never forget the day a minister at my church put me on the spot in front of the entire leadership team.  Everyone was getting ready to head home when out of nowhere he got the brilliant idea that we should take turns quoting one scripture verse.

Simple enough, right?

Well, I panicked. And instead of reciting my favorite scripture (Philippians 1:6), I awkwardly fumbled over a verse I thought would make me sound super deep and sanctified.

Big mistake!

While that incident didn’t turn me into a Bible verse quoting guru overnight, it did push me to be more deliberate about studying God’s word.

Scripture memorization can be challenging but knowing God’s word is an essential part of our Christian journey.

That’s why I’m sharing 25 of my favorite verses with you today.

Not so we can impress others with our spiritual knowledge, but so we can better equip and encourage ourselves and others with the revitalizing promises embedded throughout the scriptures.

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When you feel abandoned…

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15

When you feel afraid…

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

When you don’t feel beautiful…

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.” Song of Solomon 4:7

When you’re tempted to complain…

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

When you feel confused…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (GNT)

When you’re disappointed…

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (GNT)

When you’re discouraged…

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!” Psalm 42:5a

When someone hurts you…

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

When you’re lonely…

“May your unfailing love be my comfort…” Psalm 119:76a

When you feel overwhelmed…

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime –  until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

When things don’t go as planned…

“The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8

When you question your purpose…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

When entering a new relationship…

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

When you feel like quitting…

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

When you feel like retaliating…

“Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God’s anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 (GNT)

When you can’t sleep at night…

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8

When you struggle with doubt…

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26

When you’re tempted to compare yourself to others…

“ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

When you’re struggling financially…

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

When you’re in trouble…

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

When you feel tired…

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (GNT)

When your thoughts begin to wander…

“…fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” Philippians 4:8 (GNT)

When you feel unloved…

“The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace. So says the Lord who loves you.” Isaiah 54:10(GNT)

When you’re worried…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

When you lose sight of what’s really important…

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30

What are your favorite scriptures when life feels unbearable and unkind?  Comment below to share.