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.
Bible Verses for the Death of a Father: Where Joseph Wept
Your father has died. Genesis 50 sets down a son's grief for his father at length, with Psalm 34:18, readings for his funeral, and help if he was hard to love.
When the answer to a prayer is no, or nothing
You asked for something specific and it did not happen, or nothing came back at all. Psalm 13 is a prayer still waiting for its answer, in the Bible.
Waiting on God when nothing is happening
When a wait has no news and no date, and every day looks like the last: Psalm 13 on turning it over alone, every day, and on God seeming to hide.
Bible Verses for Fear of Death: Starting With the Fear
Afraid of dying, of pain, of leaving people, or of simply ending? Psalm 56 begins with the fear itself, and the Bible records others afraid of death too.
Bible Verses for Fear of the Future: Before Anything Happens
Afraid of a result, a job, money or a parent's decline that has not happened yet? Psalm 56 puts the fear first and gives you words to say while still afraid.
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure: What to Do While Still Afraid
Psalm 56 begins with the fear: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” A passage for the exam, interview or job that has not happened yet.
Bible Verses for Hope in Hard Times: Hope Received Rather Than Summoned
Romans 15:13 is a prayer that God would fill people with hope, for days it will not come on request. The verse, where Paul says it, and when to get help.
Bible Verses for Dementia Caregivers: The One Leading Is Also Being Led
Isaiah 40:11 gathers the lambs and gently leads those caring for young ones, so the carer is inside the scene too. The verse, its setting, and real help.
Bible Verses for Anxiety and Overthinking: An Invitation to Rest
Matthew 11:28-30 is an invitation to people carrying too much, and it asks nothing of a busy mind first. The passage, its setting, and when to get help.