In addition to prayer, reading Bible verses can help us discover fresh hope and encouragement during uncertain times. Making decisions about when and how to reopen the church and engage in in-person ministries, as both a church leader and a churchgoer, can come with many complexities and challenges.

As COVID-19 continues to bring adversity, it’s important to renew our minds (Romans 12:1) with words of truth. There is no better place to find truth than in the Word of God.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but if you’re facing uncertainty or unrest in your heart, may these verses both remind you of God’s character and who you are in His eyes. As you’re making decisions about reopening the church, here are 20 scriptures to encourage you:

  1. God sees us. — Genesis 16:13
  2. God hears us. — Jonah 2:2
  3. God is with us. — Psalm 23:4
  4. God is for us. — Lamentations 3:33
  5. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. — Romans 8:39
  6. God knows our suffering. — Exodus 2:25
  7. God is near the brokenhearted. — Psalm 34:18
  8. We can look to God when we are feeling helpless and confused. — 2 Chronicles 20:12
  9. God receives us when we’re overwhelmed. — Matthew 11:28
  10. God loves us deeply in suffering. — Romans 8:35, 37
  11. God shows up in our weakness. — 2 Corinthians 12: 10
  12. We can choose to trust God. — Habakkuk 3:17-18
  13. We can choose not to be bullied by fear. — Isaiah 41:10
  14. We can choose to release our fears to God. — 1 Peter 5:7
  15. Love is the antidote to fear. — 1 John 4:18
  16. We’re made to share one another’s burdens. — Galatians 6:2
  17. We’re called to love those closest to us. — Proverbs 17:17
  18. We’re called to love our neighbors. — John 13:34
  19. We’re called to care for the vulnerable. — Acts 20:35
  20. God is the author of surprising solutions. — Micah 6:4

The Bible says God’s Word is a “lamp unto our feet and a light onto our path” (Psalm 119:105). As you navigate reopening the church, may Scripture be your guiding light.

This post originally appeared at reopeningthechurch.com.