Jesus Verses

Hebrews 12:1 Context

Just before this passage is what’s known as “The Hall of Faith,” leading us through a lightning-fast history of the Old Testament.

The author has spent the first part of Hebrews encouraging believers to “hold fast” to their faith even in the midst of false teaching and persecution (10:23).

The brief profiles in chapter 11 answer the question they include people like Abraham Moses and Rahab, who put their belief in God’s promises into action.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Hebrews 12:1 Meaning

If you’re like most of us, during times of suffering and struggle, fears whisper in the back of your mind when you’re lying awake at night.

Things like “No one understands,” “I can’t make it through this,” and “I’m completely alone” creep in.

The great comfort of this verse is that God understands, and he lovingly responds by telling you three things: you’re not alone, the weight you’re feeling is real, and the goal is always worth the struggle it takes to get there.

The image of a race is one that stands the test of time. Even back in ancient Greece when these verses were written, races had several key components: there was a crowd watching and cheering, athletes had to persevere through obstacles and weariness, and a finish line met the runners at the end.

Like a race, the Christian life has a “cheering section”—our brothers and sisters in Christ who have dealt with many of the same trials and temptations we do.

Just like marathon runners training for their goal, this life isn’t going to be easy, but when sin and selfishness threaten to distract us.

We can push those things aside and move forward. Victory is already ours in Jesus . . . so let’s keep running!

Hebrews 12:1 Application

Think about the obstacles that might be holding you back from spiritual growth.

Are there any distractions that might “hinder” you from focusing on God? Maybe it’s a bad habit or attitude you find yourself slipping into, like grumbling or gossip, or maybe there’s something other than God you look to for hope and fulfillment.

What sin “easily entangles” you? Is there a Scripture you could use to fight back when temptation comes? Like staying physically fit.

Focusing on running your spiritual race well takes effort, but you can take comfort in knowing that you’ll never have to go through a difficult season alone.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”

Proverbs 1:33 Context

Much of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the son of David. It is a collection of practical wisdom that is organized into pithy, memorable statements.

The key word is practical, in that most of the verses focus on how to wisely live one’s everyday life rather than wrestling with the big questions about the relationship between God and man.

Proverbs 1:33 Meaning

The first chapter of Proverbs gives general advice on living wisely, and the emphasis is on humbly listening to the right voices.

We all fail to listen sometimes, and quite often it’s because of pride. We think we know best.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

This chapter, on the other hand, emphasizes the humility of listening to God and fearing him rather than assuming we have it figured out on our own.

The highlighted verse for today is within a passage spoken by a female personification of wisdom. In other words, the idea of “wisdom” is given a personality here, and she’s calling out to us to listen to her voice.

Verse 33 makes a bold claim: If you listen to her (wisdom), you will live in safety, live an easy life, and have no reason to fear. Is this true? Yes, it’s true because it’s in the Bible.

On the other hand, other places in the Bible say that trouble comes to everyone. How can both things be true? To answer that, we have to consider the point of Proverbs: to give people practical instruction.

For instance, if you tell your child to study hard so they can get a good job, are you promising that they’ll never be out of work or won’t struggle with their career? Of course not.

But is it true that studying hard is a path to better employment? Absolutely! In other words, pointing out cause-and-effect relationships (being wise leads to less fear) is not the same as a biblical promise. But it’s still sound and true!

Proverbs 1:33 Application

Most of the other verses in this book contain promises from God. This one, on the other hand, gives sound advice—which isn’t quite the same thing.

Take a moment to think about your own life. Are there things you’re doing that are unwise? Maybe there is a sin that you haven’t dealt with, bad spending habits, an unhealthy lifestyle, etc.

Working on these things can help you live a less anxious or worried life. Pray that God helps you see any actions you could take to clear a path for more peace and less anxiety.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Philippians 4:6–7 Context

Philippians starts with a greeting from Paul to the church in Philippi, a prayer for “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The book ends here with a reminder that peace is bookended for some hard topics, like resisting false teachers and facing suffering.

Since these letters were often read out loud to the whole church, Paul wanted these thoughts to be among the last words the believers heard.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Philippians 4:6–7 Meaning

Every time a fear surfaces in our minds, we have two choices: dwell on our worry or give it up to God in prayer.

Paul tells us that trusting God with our anxiety is the better way, no matter what: “about anything” and “in every situation” covers it all. There’s no fear that you can’t take to God to be replaced with his peace.

This peace isn’t a general calm with no troubles. It’s an active peace; it “guards” both our hearts (emotions) and minds (thoughts).

That’s military language, like the Psalms describing God as our defender and shield against enemies. When we pray, we aren’t just comforted; we’re protected.

Besides that, God’s peace “transcends all understanding.” Our human minds can’t explain it or even fully grasp it.

If you’ve ever seen fellow believers choose to trust God in the middle of terrible suffering and wondered how they were able to do it, you’ve seen this amazing peace at work.

How can we know this is true? Just before this passage, in verse 5, Paul reminds us, “The Lord is near.”

Not far off in a distant heaven, blissfully unbothered by human troubles and only able to be reached by a few super-spiritual people, but “near.” When we pray, God hears us, because he’s always close by.

Philippians 4:6–7 Application

So often we believe it’s up to us to be strong and fight anxiety. But here, Paul tells us that it is God who guards us and gives us peace. Yes, we have a part to play, but it’s not making a list, gritting our teeth, and trying harder.

It’s turning constantly to prayer in every moment of fear, choosing to be thankful, and resting in the peace God gives through Jesus.

Challenge yourself to put this into practice by praying short prayers for peace when your instinct is to worry instead, and thank God for being close enough to hear and loving enough to care.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Psalm 23:4 Context

“The Lord is my shepherd!” How many times in your life have you heard those words? Psalm 23 offers a unique perspective because David, the author, served as a shepherd in his youth before becoming king.

He knew firsthand what it meant to be the shepherd of sheep, and then later in life a shepherd of people.

Shepherds live with their flock and are intimately involved in daily life. Like David to his sheep and his people, Jesus is our shepherd and walks through each moment alongside us.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Psalm 23:4 Meaning

This psalm is peaceful, but it covers the spectrum: green meadows, peaceful streams, right paths, and darkest valleys. We have all heard this psalm used as a comfort for those facing trials.

It addresses the calm and turbulent moments in life as well as God’s provision. All of us will likely encounter “dark valleys” in our lives.

These dark valleys can appear as death, illness, anxiety, depression, fear, or worry. Our promise is this: We will not be afraid. Our shepherd’s rod and staff will comfort us.

Dark valleys don’t stay dark. The beauty of a valley is that it dips down but then rises back up. Valleys aren’t endless stretches of defeat but stretches that we walk through and rise from.

What a beautiful promise. We are not alone in our valleys. Even as we “walk through,” we don’t need to sprint through in a panic.

We will walk through our valleys with Jesus by our side and emerge safely, made stronger by the experience.

Psalm 23:4 Application

Trials or dark valleys are intimidating. However, we can move through them without fear because Jesus will shepherd us along and protect us from harm.

Memorize Psalm 23 and recite it the next time you face something unsettling. Life isn’t only full of valleys. Hills and mountains wait on the other side.

Not only will Jesus walk with you, but he will also provide you with rest in green meadows, lead you beside peaceful streams, and guide you along the right paths.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

2 Corinthians 5:1 ESV Context

The apostle Paul reveals much about himself in his letters to the Corinthians—personal experiences of suffering for Christ and a mysterious thorn in his flesh.

His second letter admonishes the church at Corinth to lay aside offense, practice forgiveness, mend division, and be about the work of spreading the gospel.

Paul is setting up a perspective adjustment: We will all one day perish. Our difficulties are temporary, and we are promised an eternal home.

What a way to get the reader’s attention and drive home the facts. We have all sinned and fallen short. We are all saved by his grace.

We have a great promise to live toward. And we are mandated to share about it with others.

2 Corinthians 5:1 ESV Meaning

But we get distracted. We become heavy-laden with the way of this world. Many people— believers and nonbelievers—are worried about the temporariness of our earthly bodies.

Death bothers us—who wants to talk about their body being destroyed?! Some of us fear death itself, while others are anxious about the unknown existence beyond it. Some are troubled by the idea that death might be painful.

Still others of us might be reticent to admit that we secretly welcome death since we unfortunately suffer from ailments and difficulties in this tent of our earthly home.

Our circumstances span a range from temporary discomfort to excruciating pain to chronic, lifelong conditions. Lord, have mercy on us.

2 Corinthians 5:1 ESV Application

But we, Christ’s followers, have the tremendous opportunity to trust Jesus’ own promises about how we will one day live together with him in heaven.

This is the blessed assurance! Paul reminds us of it here in these verses. He is Lord of it all. Lord of our bodies though they be temporary as tents in the desert.

Lord of our hearts as we combat fear, worry, and anxiety over the issues of this life. Lord of our experiences as we navigate pitfalls, injustices, and frustrations.

Our Father asks us to take the long view. He reminds us it’s all temporary, and promises he is building a house for us with him in paradise—heaven, our eternal home.

Something inside us resonates with this certainty, for we are, after all, created for union with God.

May his peace fill us up today as we look on his beautiful provision for us, remembering Christ’s sacrifice that made it just so.

May the promise of an eternal existence with God in heaven replace the discomfort of today’s afflictions.

“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’”

Hebrews 13:6 Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers in Christ, encouraging them to remain faithful to Jesus rather than return to Judaism.

The book shows that Jesus is greater than Moses, Aaron, angels, prophets, and priests. Chapter 13 is filled with practical advice on hospitality, marriage, and submission to authority.

Hebrews 13:6 Meaning

This verse begins with the word so, which means to understand it, you need to read the previous verse.

The previous verse ends with the promise from God: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” which is a quote from Deuteronomy.

It’s easy to see why this would lead naturally to the confident statement.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

That is also a quote from the Old Testament, but this time from Psalm 118. These promises were so important, that God decided to put them in Scripture twice!

God is your helper. Let that sink in for a moment. We all need help at times—whether from our parents, our friends, our colleagues, or even from the government.

But all these other helpers will at times let us down. They’re just not big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to always help us in the ways we need.

But the infinite, omnipotent God will never let you down. Another passage in Scripture says, “The arm of the LORD is not too short,” meaning he’s powerful enough for any task.

Interestingly, if we go back just a little further in Hebrews 13:5, we discover that the context to God’s promise to never leave us is about money and contentment: Don’t love money, and be content with what you have.

Why? Because God promises to never leave you or forsake you. And that leads to fearlessness. How often does money, or the lack thereof, keep us up at night?

Will we have enough to provide for ourselves and our families? What happens if we get another unexpected bill?

But God’s arm is not short. He can always reach into his pockets to provide.

Hebrews 13:6 Application

Is the lack of money a source of fear for you? Pray for contentment, holding on to the promise that God will never leave you or forsake you.

Then trust in God as your helper and let your fear pass away. Pray this Scripture to yourself, claiming these promises from God.

“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Matthew 11:28 CSB Context

These comforting words from Jesus, along with verses 29 and 30, are part of a passage in Matthew’s Gospel known as the Great Invitation.

Jesus was speaking to crowds of people in Galilee, and just before this passage, he denounced “the towns where most of his miracles were done, because they did not repent” (11:20).

His strong words shifted to praising his Father in heaven and then addressing the burdens people felt trying to live by the Pharisees’ rules.

Today, we might not be weighed down by widespread legalism like in ancient days, but Christ extends his invitation to us—to come to him and find relief from the burden of sin and the pressures of life.

Matthew 11:28 CSB Meaning

Rather than an impersonal invitation, notice that Christ says, “Come to me.” He is not inviting you to a program or a religion. He desires a personal relationship.

He already knows everything about you, and now he invites you to believe and trust in him.

Jesus calls out to everyone who feels “weary and burdened.” For most of us, that brings to mind physical exhaustion.

And certainly, in our desire to maximize the twenty-four hours each day holds, it’s common to feel tired.

But Jesus also wants to help those of us who are tired mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—the kind of weariness that can linger no matter how much rest and sleep we try to get.

Notice too that Christ promises to give you rest. He won’t simply show or tell you how to rest. Again, he makes it personal and says, “I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 CSB Application

Life is complex. It’s not always possible to pinpoint why we feel weary or under pressure. Other times, the source is clear, we just don’t know how to fix it.
That’s the beauty of Christ’s Great Invitation.

We don’t need to know what’s weighing us down; we just need to respond to his three simple yet powerful words: “Come to me. . . .”

Tells us, “The Lord made the heavens and the earth . . . then he rested on the seventh day” (CSB). So clearly, God values rest. Turn to him for the deep, lasting rest your body and soul need.

“But he said to me,‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

I Will Take Some of That – The Woman At The Well’s Story

The fourth chapter of John tells of an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. This encounter is full of ironies and what people of that day would have considered taboo. One thing it lacks, however, is coincidence. But then, nothing is a coincidence where Jesus is concerned.

The Woman at the Well’s Story

She has no name. She is considered an outcast and undesirable by the Israelite people. She is the last person the disciples would have expected Jesus to spend time with while they were out rounding up something to eat.

From there the conversation moved on to a much deeper level…

• Jesus offered her ‘living water’ (life eternal through him)
• The woman didn’t understand what Jesus meant by ‘living water’, but was intrigued to know more
• The woman revealed that she knew who God was, that her ancestors worshipped him, and that she knew a Messiah was coming
• Jesus told the woman he knew about her past and that she was currently living in sin with a man she wasn’t married to
• Jesus told her he was the Messiah she was waiting for

The Samaritan woman did not doubt. Instead, she ran to share the news and bring others from her village to see and hear Jesus.

What We Can Learn From The Samaritan Woman at the Well

Her story isn’t lengthy, too exciting, or one you would consider a good example of Christian living, but there are still a few things we can learn from this woman…

Lesson One:

God doesn’t care where you are when you come to him. He’s more concerned about where you go once you accept Jesus as your Savior.

This woman’s reputation was far from stellar. She was (as your grandma would say) a floozy. Loose. Easy. The marriage vows meant nothing to her. But Jesus saw past this. he saw the spark of belief in her and wanted to ignite it into a full-blown fire.

To do so he had to break through the barriers of trust. After all, she was a Samaritan and he was a Jew.

Jesus wants to ignite a full-blown fire in you, too. Where you are going and the condition of your heart is far more important to God than where you’ve been in the past.

Lesson Two:

Color, nationality, economic status, age, your level of education, your past… none of these is a barrier to salvation through Jesus unless you allow it to be.

To Sum It All Up

Jesus told the Samaritan woman who he was that he was the Messiah. When she did, she believed. She ‘got it’s much quicker and easier than even his own disciples did. Why? Because she chose to believe and she chose to not let her past keep her from moving forward. Will you do the same?

We Are Family – Naomi And Ruth’s Story

Family is the foundation of who we are. Family is meant to be a blessing, but sometimes we have to look beyond the ties of blood to see who our true family is.

Naomi and Ruth’s Story

Elimelek, Naomi, and their sons, Mahlon and Kilion, evacuated their homeland and relocated to Moab amid a period of severe famine and drought in Israel. Naomi was left to care for their sons after Elimelek passed away while they were there.

The sons matured and married Moabite women. Ruth and Orpah were the names of the two individuals. Both young women were devoted and affectionate spouses and daughters-in-law to their husbands and Ruth. However, the family was once again struck by the tragedy of young widowhood when both Mahlon and Kilion passed away.

Ruth was informed that her homeland was once again flourishing shortly after their deaths, and she resolved to return. Although it had been many years since she had departed, she had family members in the area who could at least offer her some measure of security.

Ruth and Orpah expressed their willingness to accompany her upon learning of her intentions. She was moved by their devotion, but she informed them that they were not required to attend. Ultimately, she had nothing to contribute.

They could at least be provided for by their families or potentially remarry by remaining in Moab. Ruth declined to remain in Moab, despite Orpah’s tearful acceptance. She was determined to depart with Ruth. Consequently, they departed.

Naomi directed Ruth to visit Boaz’s wheat fields upon her return to the Israelites.

When Boaz learned who Ruth was and why she was there, he told the men to drop a little extra and he assured Ruth that she would be safe-that no one would bother her.

It didn’t take long for Ruth and Boaz to fall in love and get married. Their son, Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David, and so on…right down the line to Jesus.

What We Can Learn From Ruth and Naomi

Today’s culture and society are much different than back in the days of these two women but never underestimate the value of what we can learn from history…

Lesson One:

Family is not always defined by blood relations.

It is a fact that certain individuals are related to us by blood, but we do not consider them to be family. These individuals do not even remotely resemble the definition of the term. This is a disheartening reality; however, it does not have to deprive you of the sense of belonging that we all desire and require.

Family may serve as a trusted confidant or group of peers who are committed to your well-being and who are assured that they will never betray you or intentionally disappoint you. If it is deemed necessary, family can consist of your husband and offspring, without the approval of extended family members.

Your in-laws may be considered family; individuals who cherish you as their own and extend a warm welcome. Your church family can be akin to your family; they are brothers and sisters in Christ who are much more than the individuals you attend church with on Sundays.

Ruth was not required to fulfil any obligations during her stay with Naomi. In any capacity, she was not obligated to her, except for affection and respect. Relationships are founded on love and respect, or at least they should be.

Lesson Two:

If you have God on your side, no situation is doomed.

Naomi and Ruth were confronted with a variety of challenges, including drought, famine, mortality, and the inability to independently support themselves. But they refused to surrender. They assessed the circumstance, utilised their resources, and placed their faith in God in order to survive.

God demonstrated his respect for their integrity and faith in him by placing the appropriate individuals in their lives to facilitate positive outcomes.

It is imperative that you follow suit. Rather than viewing the glass as half empty or feeling as though life is conspiring against you, maintain your attention on God. Seek his advice and direction, and then adhere to it. You will not be disappointed or deprived of the necessary items.

Lesson Three:

Submissiveness is not a dirty word.

Naomi was obedient to her husband’s decision to relocate to a foreign country. Ruth was submissive to Naomi when she agreed to labour in Boaz’s fields. Naomi was obedient to her culture by enlisting the assistance of her distant relative, Boaz. Ruth was not harassed or mistreated by Boaz’s employees, who were submissive to their employer and left wheat for her.

Ruth was a person of submission to

Throughout the development of their relationship and as his wife, Boaz adhered to his instructions. Ultimately, the advent of Jesus was the consequence of these acts of submission.

It is not detrimental or improper to be submissive or obedient. By being submissive and obedient, you can exist under the protection of God’s promises and the protection of a husband who adores you and desires the best for you (provided that you marry a Godly man).

A certain level of job security is provided by being submissive and subservient. Being obedient and subservient to the law enables you to live without the need to watch your back and to appreciate the rights and liberties of our nation.

Being obedient and submissive alleviates the stress and pressure of being entirely responsible for all aspects of one’s existence and the necessity of self-sufficiency. Submissiveness and obedience are actually quite liberating.

To Sum It All Up

Ruth and Naomi teach us what it means to dedicate yourself to loving and respecting those who love and respect you. They teach us what it means to be a true family and what it means to trust God to keep you where he wants you to be.

2 Corinthians 12:9 Context

Second Corinthians is a letter written by Paul the apostle to the church at Corinth, which is in modern-day Greece. The themes of the letter include suffering, forgiveness, and generosity.

2 Corinthians 12:9 Meaning

In his second letter to the church of Corinth, Paul has a lot of hard things to say—hard both in the sense that they are difficult to understand as well as sometimes being unpleasant to hear.

An example of the latter is that he admonishes the disciples for their divisiveness and defends himself as an apostle of Christ.

An example of the former type of “hard thing” is that in this chapter, he talks about “a man” who was “caught up into the third heaven.”

What does this mean? There is much debate, but most believe he is talking about a special revelation he himself had.

From there, perhaps even more confusingly, he says that God gave him a “thorn in the flesh” so he wouldn’t be conceited. What was that thorn? Again, there is much debate.

But regardless of what that thorn was, he goes on to say that he prayed for it to be taken away, but God refused. Instead, God said that his own strength was made perfect in weakness.

This sounds discouraging at first, but in fact it’s good news of God’s power and grace. He may not answer our prayers the way we expect or even want, but he always turns bad things on their heads.

He redeems things, making weaknesses strengths and overcoming evil with good. For this, we can be thankful.

2 Corinthians 12:9 Application

Do you have a thorn in the flesh? Something that makes you feel weak or embarrassed? If so, take it to God and ask him to remove it. He may or he may not, but know that he will turn it around for your good and his glory.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”