20 Key Bible Verses for Everyday Problems

Since I have been studying Biblical counselling for quite a while now, my husband asked me to get together a list of 10-20 key scriptures to memorise for counselling. Since we all go through problems and trials I figured it would be a useful list to post, since it is very helpful just to know where they are. Of course this is only really skimming the surface as the Bible is full of practical help, but these are some of the scriptures that I have either used over and over again or are the main verses to use in a particular situation.

1. God is in control
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28 
When trials come that are out of our control, we can rest on this promise that if we are saved and love God, He will work all these things together for our good. It is just like a piece of embroidery which looks a mess on the back, but when you turn it over it is a beautiful work of art.

2. Don’t worry, pray
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6,7  We are commanded not to be anxious. To help us not to worry we should pray specifically about our problem with thanksgiving, and God will give us peace.

3. Don’t say “I can’t”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 
How often do we say, “I can’t cope” or when faced with something God wants us to, “I can’t”? In Christ, we can because He strengthens us, but we need to depend on Him and pray for His strength.

4. There is always a way out of temptation
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1Co 10:13 
We can resist temptation because other people have faced it successfully, God won’t give us more than we are able to bear, and always makes a way of escape.

5. Don’t give up
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9 
We should keep persevering at doing the right thing, because even if it seems like we’re not getting anywhere, in time we will bear fruit.

6. Be slow to anger
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. Pro 19:11
It is good not to get angry quickly, and to overlook offences.

7. Control your thought life
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2Co 10:5 
We can and should control what we think about, to make our thoughts honour God

8. What to think about
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Phil 4:8 
When we struggle with depression or bad thoughts, we need to figure out good things to meditate on instead.

9. Cultivate good friendships
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1Co 15:33 
It is so easy to be led down the wrong path by the friends that we have, so we need to choose our friends carefully.

10. Confess and be forgiven
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jn 1:9 
As believers we shouldn’t need to feel guilty about things we have done in the past – if we confess them to God He will forgive us

11. Confess and forsake your sin
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Pro 28:13
It is important to confess our sins and not only that, but also turn away from them.

12. If in doubt don’t
But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. Rom 14:23
This is what Jay Adams calls the ‘Holding Principle’ – if we are unsure whether it is right to do something or not, then we shouldn’t go ahead with it until our doubts have been removed. If we do it even though we think it may be wrong then we are sinning.

13. The Bible has the answers
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Ti 3:16,17
We so often go to other people, or the internet or secular opinions when the answers are in the Bible. God has given His Word to us to help us make decisions and solve our problems, and it is very practical and useful for everyday life.

14. We can come to God boldly for mercy and help
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16 
God loves us to ask for what we need, and we can confidently do that.

15. God holds us responsibleFor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2Co 5:10 
We shouldn’t blame others for what we are doing wrong, because God holds us all accountable individually. We need to realise that and take responsibility for our actions.

16. Don’t get drunk, be spirit-filled And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. Eph 5:18 
As Christians we should not get drunk, and if anyone has a problem with drunkenness he should work instead at bringing every area of his life under the domination of the Spirit.

17. Speak with gentleness
By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. Pro 25:15 
We raise our voices or launch personal attacks when we need to realise that speaking gently is incredibly effective.

18. Cover offences out of love
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1Pe 4:8 
We should try to cover over and forgive offences by others, in love.

19. We must forgive
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Mar 11:25 
Forgiveness is a command – not an option!

20. Discipline is key to godliness
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness 1 Tim 4:7 
Becoming godly takes discipline.

A lot of these verses can be very useful in the problems and trials that we face in this life. If you have any more you are welcome to share them!