7 verses to lean on when you need support

Over the past few days I’ve begun to pray about a venture that might ultimately change the course of my life. I touched a little on this in my previous blog post, but never delved into specifics.

While I still am not comfortable with fully explaining what is going on right now, it’s been something that has slowly started to consume more and more of my time. I’ve been asking close friends and family for their opinions and support in the decision, and they have been wonderful about giving me as unbiased input as they possibly can.

At least, for the most part.

Today I was met with some incredibly biased opposition to my idea, which, if I’m being honest, is kind of what I asked for. When we ask for the opinions of others, we need to be prepared to receive push back, no matter how pure or impure it may be!

However, this did also shed some light onto where I’m putting my worth and where my heart is when it comes to approval. Am I depending too much on what other people say? Am I really leaning on God for this opportunity, or am I trying to make sure everyone else likes it and then just jump right in? Where is the actual prayer and meditation in all this?

As I started to think through these question, I found a whole bunch of verses to encourage me not necessarily about the specific situation I’m in, but about the characteristics of God. He always supports me and loves me, and His heart isn’t impure; He wants what’s best for me and what brings Him the most glory, which is what I want as well!

These following seven verses are ones that really stuck and I thought I’d share a few thoughts on them. I know I’m not the only one going through a season of questioning right now, so I pray that they are encouraging to you and can give you some clarity! If not, just know that God is your rock, foundation, and support system, even when friends or family crumble under pressure!

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but it can be really easy for me to forget that God is the real one we should be seeking approval from. I get so burdened and discouraged when I don’t receive support from people who are closest to me because they are the ones I talk to and confide in the most!

But the really encouraging thing about God is He actually asks us to give all those burdens to Him! He takes care of us and listens to our concerns. He doesn’t allow us to become ruined by these opinions, and sustains us while we are fighting the battles.

But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!

Psalm 54:4 (NLT)

Another thing that I was able to give thanks for about the Lord is the fact that He genuinely wants to help us. His desire is to do good for our lives, and He does this because of His love for us! When we ask for His help, we know that He is going to provide. It may not be in the exact same way that we asked, but He always answers us!

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7 (NLT)

Man, I know this verse is often times overused, but it really got to me today. I have been asking for the Lord to heal a relationship I have been fighting for pretty much my entire life, and when I pursued it again today, it left me feeling broken, empty, and downright hurt.

But God is good. He reminds us to keep on asking, and to be persistent in it. Continual prayer is one of the hardest spiritual disciplines I’ve been trying to incorporate into my life, but I know it’ll be worth it.

O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart.

2 Chronicles 6:14 (ESV)

Can I just say that we serve an incredible God? He shows steadfast love to us in everything He does for us, even if it doesn’t immediately appear or feel like it. His love for us is so deep that we can never fully understand it. While I am over here struggling with a personal relationship with a member of my inner circle, God is molding and shaping my heart to be more like His. Not only does He love us unconditionally, He shows it to us by helping us become better and love more fully, even when it’s hard!

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 36:7 (ESV)

Taking refuge in God is something I’ve been having to do a lot more of lately, and I bet you have been too. With all the craziness and uncertainty going on in our world, taking refuge in God seems to be the only place where I can find peace. When I receive harsh feedback or even melancholy and unenthusiastic opinions, I run to the Father because I know He always shows me love and support.

But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!

Psalm 109:21 (ESV)

Something I think I forget when I’m struggling with personal conflict is the reality that God can deliver us from our situations. I know that this sounds pretty trivial and even stupid, but we are also really prone to fall into the mindset that because we are fighting with family or close friends, God is bound to fix that relationship because of how close we have been to them for so long.

But friends, this isn’t always the case! Just because you’re fighting with your mom or dad doesn’t mean that God is automatically going to fix that relationship. If your history and relationship is toxic to you, there is definitely a chance that God might remove that person from your life because He knows what is truly best for you, apart from stereotypes. I think I forget that I shouldn’t feel guilty to ask for deliverance from a situation just because it hits so close to home, and you shouldn’t feel that way either!

This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

I saved this verse for last because it is one of my life verses. God is with me wherever I go and whatever decision I make, and I have seen this first hand in my own life.

When I moved to Florida, God didn’t stay behind in Ohio. He went with me and provided for me in ways that still leaves me dumbfounded. When my husband and I got married and moved back to Ohio to be closer to family and friends, God didn’t then stay in Florida. He went with us and has showed up so miraculously I can’t help but be awestruck by His beauty, grace, and mercy lavished upon us.

Even in this new venture that I’m researching, praying about, and meditating on, I know He is going to be with me. No matter what decision I make, He’s always going to be there.

Our God doesn’t leave us or forsake us. He never abandons us, and He certainly doesn’t ignore us. Remember that we serve a God that never changes. Our circumstances might, but He never does. Our viewpoints and lenses might, but He doesn’t. Our vision might fog, but He remains clear. Be encouraged, friends. We don’t serve a wishy washy God. We serve a powerhouse whose love conquers all.