"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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16 Encouraging Bible Verses for Kids (KJV)
Children need encouragement they can actually hold — short lines, plain words, promises that fit a child's size of fear. These verses are some of the most child-shaped in the whole Bible: short enough to memorize word-for-word, clear enough for a five-year-old to repeat, and strong enough to carry a ten-year-old through a bad day. Where the King James Version gets old-fashioned, the note under each verse says what it means. Start with Psalm 56:3 — nine words.
Start here
The first verse below is short enough to read right now and memorize by morning.
"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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"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.
Read first
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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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"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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"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Bring God into every decision — and He takes responsibility for the direction.
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"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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"Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
For fear at night or before hard news — courage tied to God's presence, not your own strength.
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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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"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Young is not too young — be the example in speech, love, and faith right now.
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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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"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Tonight's tears have an expiry date — morning joy is coming.
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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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"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
Seven pictures of safety in one verse — rock, fortress, shield, and tower when life shakes.
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Send one of these to someone tonight
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Reviewed 2026-09-24 · Scripture from the King James Version (public domain)