By Bethany Howard // Spiritual // EEW Magazine Online

You hate seeing your friends and loved ones suffer, struggle, and endure seasons of intense turmoil. Often, while they are enduring their time of testing, you feel helpless, as if there is nothing that you can do to alleviate the unpleasant emotions and pressure they feel.

Beyond praying—which is always the most essential thing—and offering a listening ear, what else can you do? EEW Magazine Online suggests sending them an encouraging Bible verse to minister peace to their heart.

If you’re wondering exactly what Scriptures to text or email, start with our list of 10 of the most popular (and extremely comforting and encouraging) Bible verses to share with your troubled friend.

#1 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 2)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are trying to come up with a feasible plan or course of action to achieve success. Putting them in the mind frame of trust and dependency on God can head off mistakes and alleviate stress.

#2 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

When to send this Bible verse: When self-doubt, low self-worth, and poor mindset can potentially hinder your friend from taking advantage of an opportunity or walking fully in their divine calling. We all need to be reminded that it is Christ working through us, making up for what we lack.

#3 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are doubtful about how things will turn out. When things are not going well and it seems their world has been turned upside down by the death of a loved one, loss of a job, dismantling of a relationship, or unspeakable tragedy.

#4 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are worried and particularly anxious about a big decision, major transition, life shift, or upcoming task that they feel ill-equipped to complete.

#5 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are taking on a new position or leadership role that requires courage in uncertain times. This Scripture is also a great way to remind them that they are not alone as they enter new territory and higher levels, which often feel isolating for anyone.

#6 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me." (Psalm 28:7)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are in a new role or facing a circumstance that leaves them feeling helpless, inadequate, and too weak to successfully juggle and manage everything. Reinforcing the fact that they have a helper to strengthen, protect, and guide them will offer a sense of relief.

#7 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

When to send this Bible verse: When they are at their wit’s end and are on the verge of giving up because they are sick and tired of being sick and tired. When your friend believes they have reached their breaking point, this will assure them that God is giving them the needed fortitude to keep going despite spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional fatigue.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

When to send this Bible verse: When something they expected or wanted to happen failed to turn out the way they had planned or hoped. In disappointing seasons, they will be heartened by the reminder that God works through unpleasant circumstances and specializes in bringing the best outcomes out of the worst situations.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

When to send this Bible verse: When your driven and solution-oriented friend gets worried and antsy because they cannot for the life of them figure things out. By sending this verse, you will help refocus them on the importance and power of prayer and gratitude in every situation.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

When to send this Bible verse: When your friend is devastated, grieving, and in shambles over a major loss, setback, or crushed dream. These moments are weighty and make it feel impossible to say the right thing. Let Scripture do the talking and help them see that they are not alone despite feeling that way.

Scripture, unlike the motivational words and platitudes of humans, is alive, powerful, and able to shift someone’s mentality and heal their brokenness. Never underestimate the Bible’s ability to provide comfort, strength, and encouragement during challenging times. After all, it contains words that God Himself has spoken.

A Prayer for your Friend: God, please bless my dear friend in their time of need. I don’t know what to say or how to help, but you know all things. Please give me the wisdom, the right words to say, and the strength I need to be there for them in this difficult time of transition and turmoil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.