Q: Dear Andrei,
Is there a scripture or a Bible story that provides greater affirmation for you during challenging times? I’ve been traversing a dark valley during this recent season and my heart is heavy. — John
A: Dear John,
We all, every single one of us, experience darker valleys at different times in our lives. Don’t lose hope. Persevere.
There are many scriptures in the Bible that provide consolation, inspiration, and affirmation. You could say that the entire Bible is one macro narrative that is divinely authored to precisely encourage and affirm those who believe in God. I have been pointed to Psalm 91 on several occasions during some challenging times in my life.
I pray that God’s words and promises as channeled through Psalm 91 will lift your spirit up. It was written for you too. Keep on keeping on.Tomorrow will be better. There is a mountain peak after this valley. Take courage and see with the eyes of faith.
Blessings and all the best, Andrei
PSALM 91 (NIV)
1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”