Sometimes, life is crazy. Sometimes, life is hard. And on occasion, life is crazy hard. You may find yourself in a pit, and it may be difficult to climb out. However, in the highs and the lows, good times and bad times, crazy times and calm times, you can always find encouragement in the Lord. Here are some good passages of scripture for when you just need a little extra encouragement.

1. Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

This verse is good for when you feel anxious, worried, or bogged down by the what-ifs in life. What if I don't have enough money to pay rent? What if I do poorly in this class? What if my significant other breaks things off? Whatever your worries, take refuge in this verse. God takes care of the birds and makes sure they have what they need to survive, and he loves you SO much more! No matter the outcome of your situation, know that God will take care of you.

2. Jeremiah 29:11

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."

I am a person who likes to have everything figured out. Unfortunately, I do not have control over the things that are to come. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem! Remember that it's okay if you don't have it all figured out- God does, and he wants to see you prosper.

3. Romas 8:31

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

This is a great for when you feel afraid, particularly of a person or a looming circumstance. If God is for you, nothing can bring you down! Trust in the Lord, and he will help you through.

4. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

This passage helps us to remember that it's okay to be sad. It's okay to get angry. You will go through so many things in your life, and all of it is natural. If every day was a good day, then no day would be good! No bad time will last forever. Keep your head up!

God bless, and have a welcome to summer vacation!