This week I’d like to share three Bible verses that have encouraged me during times of frustration and uncertainty.

1.)    I Chronicles 28:10 (NIV)

“Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

King David wanted to be the one to build a temple, but the Lord revealed to him that his son Solomon would be tasked with this challenging role instead. Before he died, King David spoke the words in verse ten to Solomon.

This verse reminds me God has plans for me, and they may be demanding. Even when I feel discouraged or inadequate, I need to be strong and do the work.

2.)    2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV)

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”

King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced the men of Moab and Ammon who had come to make war. Though the situation frightened the people of Judah, the Lord used a prophet to remind them the battle was the Lord’s, and he would fight for them. So, they took their positions of worshipping God, stood firm, and watched as the Lord delivered them.

There have been times in my life when God has shown me that what I’m facing is his battle. I just need to stand firm, praise him, and let him deliver me in his time.

3.)    Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

All of Psalm 46 is a reminder of God’s sovereignty. Many translations (including the NIV) use the words “be still” in verse ten. However, the NASB uses “cease striving,” and that puts a more intense picture in my mind because of the connotation of the word striving.

For example, I visualize myself struggling to climb a steep mountain without assistance while toting a thirty-pound backpack. Whatever the mountain may be and even though the endeavor may be too much, I keep trying because I think I must. But if I cease striving, I can relax and rest in God’s sovereignty. I don’t have to figure everything out because God has already done that part.