Reading the Bible when life is hard
Longer pieces on the passages people reach for when they are worn out, grieving, anxious or afraid, and on what those passages actually say in context.
What Does the Bible Say About Grief? The Mourners, the Words and the Whole of 1 Thessalonians 4:13
What the Bible says about grief: the people it shows mourning, Psalm 34:18 to read tonight, the whole of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, and whether deep grief means weak faith.
Bible Verses for Encouragement: Jonathan Went to David in the Wood
Encouragement in the Bible often arrives as a person. Jonathan in the wood, David at Ziklag, Romans 15:13 as a prayer to send, and what to write alongside it.
Bible Verses for Panic Attacks: Fearfulness and Trembling Have Come on Me
Short passages to hold during a panic attack, Psalm 55 on a pounding heart, the storm in Mark 4, and when chest pain or breathlessness needs a doctor first.
Bible Verses Before Surgery: For the Night Before and the Waiting Room
An operation tomorrow, for you or someone you love? Psalm 56:3-4 and Psalm 121 to read tonight, what each offers, and how to ask for prayer.
Bible Verses for the Loss of a Friend: I Am Distressed for You, My Brother Jonathan
A close friend has died. David's lament for Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1 grieves a friend out loud, with Psalm 34:18, Jesus at Lazarus's tomb, and help that names its country.
Bible Verses for the Loss of a Brother: What Martha and Mary Said
Your brother has died. John 11 gives two sisters grieving their brother Lazarus, with Psalm 34:18 for tonight, readings for his funeral, and help for siblings.
Bible Verses for Cancer Caregivers: For the One Who Is Carrying
Caring for someone with cancer? Isaiah 40:11 gently leads the ones carrying others. The passage, the seasons of cancer care, healing promises, and real help.
Bible Verses for Loneliness in Marriage: Alone With Someone
Lonely in your marriage? Psalm 25:16-17 to pray as it stands, Hannah, who was loved and still wept alone, and Genesis 2:18 read in its setting, with help by country.
Bible Verses for Loneliness and Sadness: Turn to Me, for I Am Desolate
Lonely and sad, alone or surrounded by people? Psalm 25:16-17 gives words to pray, with the people in Scripture who said they were alone, and when to see a doctor.