"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Nine words for scared moments — when afraid, choose trust. Simple enough for any child.
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14 Short Encouraging Bible Verses for Friends (KJV)
The best way to encourage a friend is often the shortest one. These verses are built for a single text message — short enough to send in five seconds, strong enough to be read all day. Pick one for the friend who is anxious before an interview, grieving after a loss, or simply tired of the fight. Each is King James Version and public domain, so sending it costs nothing and keeps sharing free.
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The first verse below is short enough to read right now and memorize by morning.
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Brokenhearted is exactly where God draws near — you do not have to hold it together first.
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"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
A short anchor verse for moments when you feel unable to keep going.
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"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
When trouble is already here — God as refuge you can run to right now.
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"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Ten words a child can memorize — everything you need is cared for by your Shepherd.
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"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."
Look up from the problem to the Helper — the Maker of heaven and earth is your help.
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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Perfect peace has an address — the mind fixed on God instead of spiraling worries.
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"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Names fear as not from God — and what is from Him instead: power, love, a steady mind.
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"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD."
Courage plus hope in God equals a strengthened heart — that is the whole equation.
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"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Pressed down by people or problems — God is a refuge built for exactly these times.
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"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
On your worst day God is still good — a fortress, and He knows you by name inside it.
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"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
When your own understanding runs out — trust with the whole heart, not half.
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"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
One step of light at a time — God's Word shows the next step when the road is dark.
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"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?"
Two questions that shrink fear — if God is light and strength, what is left to be afraid of?
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Send one of these to someone tonight
Tap Copy on any verse above and paste it into a message. Scripture is free to share.
Reviewed 2026-09-24 · Scripture from the King James Version (public domain)