When You Need Strength

There are times when anxiety, uncertainty and hardship leave us struggling to find our footing. At such times, I turn to God, to Scripture and to prayer.

I am an Orthodox Christian. Here I want to share words that sustain me. Wherever you come from, and however familiar or unfamiliar Christianity may be to you, I hope this page helps you hold on to hope.

Fifteen Bible Verses

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5–6
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 (26:1 in Orthodox numbering)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
but those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 · excerpt
Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 (54:23 in Orthodox numbering)
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Come to me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28–30
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalm 34:17–18 (33:18–19 in Orthodox numbering)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (22:4 in Orthodox numbering)
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 · excerpt
“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you,” says the LORD, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1–2 (90:1–2 in Orthodox numbering)
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10

Bible quotations: World English Bible, British Edition (public domain). Psalm references give the English numbering first, followed by the corresponding Orthodox numbering.

My Personal Experience

When I face difficulties, doubts or hard decisions, I turn to God.

Scripture and prayer always help me find inner steadiness, peace and strength to keep going.

This is my personal experience, and I want to share it with others.

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

The Jesus Prayer is a short prayer addressed to Christ, rooted in the Orthodox Christian tradition. In it, we acknowledge our sins and humbly ask for God's mercy.

You can say this prayer aloud, quietly or silently, addressing Jesus Christ. At its heart is a sincere turning to Him and trust in God's will.