Top 75 Inspirational Bible Verses about Motivation and Inspiration

No one can function without motivation and inspiration. You must have a reason to get up in the morning and lead a fulfilling life. Without motivation, it is impossible to overcome challenges, pursue dreams, or strengthen our faith. There are times when our souls feel deflated and empty, and there’s no wind in our sails. 

The Bible can rekindle our spirits and infuse us with new hope and joy every day despite life’s ups and downs. Let’s look at 75 inspirational Bible verses to encourage and motivate us again. 

Why Is It Important to be Motivated and Inspired?

In the final analysis, all human actions flow from motivation and inspiration – there are no exceptions. Why do we do what we do? What makes us tick? Why do we get up in the morning? Where do we get the inner strength to surmount obstacles and achieve our goals? In challenging times, motivation and inspiration can be the only difference between giving up and persevering.

The ultimate source of inspiration for a believer is captured in a well-known maxim, “The glory of God is a man fully alive.” As John Piper put it, 

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

How Can the Bible Help Us to Be Motivated ?

The Bible is a wellspring of motivation and inspiration because it deals with the main problem of humankind – our fall from grace and our restoration to God. By immersing ourselves in these scriptures, we can get revitalized by the living waters of hope and joy. The Bible will restore our vital connection with God, which is the wellspring of life.

How to Use the Bible to Find Motivation and Inspiration

1. Consistent reading: Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” Make it a daily habit, even if it’s just a short passage a day.
2. Reflect: After reading a verse, let it sink in. Meditate on what it means and ask God to apply it to your life.
3. Journaling: Write down the verses that strike you the most and record your thoughts about them. Over time, you will see how the Holy Spirit leads you in gaining wisdom and becoming stronger in faith.
4. Join other believers for a Bible study to discuss and explore the Scriptures. Fellowship is key to spiritual growth – by connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ, we simultaneously connect to God Himself.
5. Prayer: Ask for guidance as you read the Bible because no one can understand the scriptures without the illumination of the Holy Spirit. The Bible emphasizes that no prophecy can be understood by “a private interpretation.” It’s the Spirit of God that impresses all truth on our hearts.

Inspirational Bible Verses

Overcoming Challenges

1. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” When facing challenges, avoid relying on human reasoning. Instead, surrender to God in faith and patiently await the Spirit’s gentle leading.
2. Isaiah 41:10: “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Fear and doubt may be natural, but they don’t define us. When confronted by fear or doubt, intentionally direct your thoughts and prayers to Him, knowing that He will see you through.
3. Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Regardless of what a believer encounters, every circumstance ultimately serves their eternal good. Rest assured that you have unshakeable hope that no one can take away.

Finding Hope

4. Psalm 42:11: “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: the saving help of my countenance, and my God.” When all hope wanes, there is still hope if we put our trust in God.
5. Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Hope abounds when we have faith in God, even while navigating the rough seas of this world.
6. Lamentations 3:22-23: “It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” God’s unwavering love and faithfulness come every morning, even in difficult times.

Pursuing Your Dreams

7. Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says Yahweh, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.’” We can trust in God’s perfect plan for our lives because it’s a source of unshakeable hope.
8. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When we are in Christ, we have all the strength we need to pursue dreams and overcome obstacles.
9. 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.” To win the race of life, one needs determination and purpose. Only those who draw from a boundless reservoir of hope and strength win the prize. 

Building Your Faith

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10. Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” Faith is our ability to see the invisible and proof that it exists.
11. 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” By faith, we are able to see the invisible and put our faith in it. If we focus on what is visible, we will eventually slide away from grace.
12. Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” God’s grace and our faith in His salvation are the only prerequisites to winning the race of life.

Loving Others

13. 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God.” Love is God’s nature, His very essence. Those born of God have this divine love dwelling in them and spilling over into the world.
14. 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.” Approach all actions with love because it’s the only transforming power in the universe.
15. Matthew 5:16: “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” When others see our love, they see God’s light in us and give Him glory.

Perseverance and Courage

16. Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says Yahweh, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.’” Knowing that God has a plan for our lives is the greatest of comforts that help us run our race with perseverance.
17. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Christ dwells in us by faith. When you rely on the Lord your God, you are invincible, even when you face uncertainty or death.
18. Psalm 42:11: “…Hope in God! For I shall still praise him…” David reasons with his own soul to shift the focus from the trouble he is experiencing to the invisible God. When you trust in the Lord your God, the Spirit Himself assures you that everything is alright.
19. Joshua 1:9: “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” Sometimes, we need to hear God Himself tell us not to be afraid because the voice of fear is so loud.

Victory in the Lord

20. Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.” If we wish to succeed in what we do, we should commit our way to God. Let Him be the center of what you do, and He will direct your steps to victory.
21. Psalm 37:4: “Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” If we make God our ultimate delight and pursue Him as our highest joy, all our desires will be fulfilled. If He is our treasure, all our desires will come to fruition.
22. 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Because we can trust God’s unfailing love, we can abound in joy and hope in any circumstance. Having this joy and hope, we abound in the Lord’s work as well because we can’t help sharing the treasure we have received.
23. Psalm 23:1: “Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.” There’s no lack for those who make God their shepherd. Every morning, they receive manna. Every day, there’s some blessing. Every moment, there’s air to breathe and things to enjoy. Godliness with contentment is the greatest of gains.  
24. Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer.” What we think in our hearts and speak with our mouths leads us toward God or away from Him. When we feed our hearts with negativity, these will pull us down and lead us astray. When we think God’s thoughts and speak God’s truths, we draw closer to Him.
25. 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” God doesn’t want us to fear because fear can stifle faith. Fear and faith may cancel each other out. But if we feel fear, as any normal human would, God encourages us to step out in faith nonetheless, trusting that He’s with us always.

Finding Strength in God

26. Psalm 27:1: “Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?” When all lights go out and all hope fades, God’s light shines all the brighter. Man’s limitation is God’s opportunity. When fear engulfs our hearts, God is right there for us if we choose to trust Him and let go of all false gods in our lives.
27. Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” If we dwell on the past, we get paralyzed, especially when all we see is our sins. But if we forget what’s behind and stretch forward to what’s ahead, we will be free of all past regrets because we will be clinging to God in Christ.
28. Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we are in doubt and don’t know what to do next, we should pray to God and ask for His wisdom. As we plunge into inspiring scriptures and wait on the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts, we suddenly become aware of God’s direction. It will come upon us as we read the Bible, meditate on it, pray, or even sleep.
29. Romans 12:11: “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Solomon said, “He who heeds discipline, shows a way to life.” When God pours His light into our hearts, it is our job to steward it with His help. We do this by diligence and consistency as we abide in the Word. We keep the spiritual fervor from being blown out by the winds of earthly anxieties and cares.

Learning to Trust

30. Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint.” Waiting for the Lord can be difficult. Abraham waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise for 20 years. It was only fulfilled when he was 100 and his wife, Sarah, was 90. God’s timing was perfect. The promise came true when Abraham couldn’t rely on his human strength anymore. When we are weak, God is strong.
31. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” In our day and age, we are used to relying on our own minds and rationality. We think we know it all or can figure everything out on our own. We turn our human knowledge into an idol and worship intellect instead of God. Only God can give us an adequate understanding of the world and whatever is happening in it. Seeking the wisdom of the One who is Omniscient is wise.
32. Joshua 1:9: “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.” It’s so easy to become fearful when enemies are pressing you on every side. Yet, God tells us not to be afraid. But how? It seems humanly impossible. And it is. Human strength is weakness in God’s eyes. And He can come through for us in any challenge we face.  
33. Colossians 3:23: “And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Whether we create a beautiful piece of art or peel potatoes in the kitchen, we can engage in these tasks with or without God. Whatever we do in our human strength will ultimately fail. All human glory will pass away. But if we seek the eternal glory of God in what we do, our deeds will endure forever.
34. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your worries on him because he cares for you.” We can either carry our worries ourselves or cast them on God. It’s a simple choice but often so hard to make. We face this choice every moment of the day. Will I rely on myself in this circumstance, or will I let go and let God? As I cast my burden on Him, I become weightless. I have no more burdens to weigh me down. I grow wings and fly.
35. Matthew 6:33-34: “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Regardless of our circumstances, God is here. We can be grateful for the air we breathe, food we eat, and bed we sleep in. If we allow our fears to steal our focus away from this very moment, we open ourselves up to all sorts of anxieties and fears. God is always in the present. The future we imagine is a phantom. That’s why God tells us not to be anxious for tomorrow. He can’t do anything for us in the imaginary future – only in the real present moment.
36. Philippians 4:6-7: “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” It takes a conscious effort to take our focus away from the trouble we perceive and shift it to God. And this is what conscious prayer helps us to achieve. Prayer is the best way to realign our minds and hearts with God’s reality in the present. Tell Him whatever is on your heart right now without holding anything back. You will feel an immediate relief, knowing that He heard you and is doing something about it. It’s out of your hands now. You can take a deep breath and trust in the Lord.

Relying on God’s Promises

37. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.” To pray without ceasing doesn’t mean saying something incessantly. True prayer is a prayer of the heart. It’s a conscious effort to take our thoughts away from the mundane and refocus them on the Divine. As we go through our day, let’s stop every now and then and do a quick check-in: “Am I aware of God right now?” If not, ask Him to draw near.
38. Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” David drew his strength from the awareness of God’s constant presence in every trouble. This awareness allowed him to relinquish control and entrust his future to God Almighty.
39. James 1:12: “Blessed is the person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.” Temptation is a universal human experience, but the Lord promises a crown of life to the one who endures to the end. The very process of enduring a temptation cleanses our souls of all the dross of everyday living and purifies our hearts so we can see the Lord.
40. Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” God is rich in mercy and knows what we need. When we look at the visible world, we may think that our resources are few. When we look at the invisible world, we realize that our resources are boundless. God supplies our every need in His perfect time.
41. Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.” This song of ascent praises Yahweh’s help and acknowledges that He made the heaven and earth. God holds everything together by His mighty word. Every atom holds together because God wills it so. If such is the power of our God, who can stand against Him?
42. Matthew 19:26: “Looking at them, Jesus said, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” What seems impossible for men is possible with God. Whatever we are facing right now, we should never overthink it. As Einstein said, “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it.” Instead of trying to figure it out, let’s turn it over to God. Even when the future seems uncertain, it’s only our human perception. God promises to do the impossible when we do the possible – entrust the results to Him. 
43. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When we lack wisdom, we can study the God-breathed Revelation every day to be filled with God’s breath and inspiration. As we read and meditate on scriptures, the Spirit of God will inspire us with unfathomable wisdom and guidance.
44. Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Joy and peace are the fruits of believing. To experience the power of the Holy Spirit, we must relinquish our human control and fix our gaze on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.
45. Matthew 5:16: “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” He who walks with the Lord radiates His light. This light cannot be hidden under a bushel. It shines so brightly that people can’t help seeing it and giving glory to God.
46. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27: “I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.” To run the spiritual race with success, we must control our body, or we will be controlled by it. To get the high prize, we must crucify our flesh with Jesus Christ daily. We must die to all our desires so He may live in and through us. By dying to ourselves, we experience spiritual transformation.
47. Proverbs 4:25-26: “Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.” Lot’s wife looked behind at the destruction of Sodom and turned into a pillar of salt. It’s a spiritual metaphor for what happens to a soul when it dwells on past regrets. God tells us to let go of the past. We should fix our eyes on Jesus and look straight ahead. When we look at Jesus, no past guilt, shame, or regret will hold any power over us.
48. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, 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 any praise, think about these things.” We can always choose our thoughts – even when we are overwhelmed by a stream of negative thinking. God gives us a sure way out of negativity as we replace our negative thoughts with godly ones. As we direct our thoughts to what is lovely, just, pure, and praiseworthy, the Spirit fills our souls with the light of His presence.
49. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.” When we seek reasons to be thankful in every situation, we fulfill God’s will for us. God wants us to rejoice always because, in every situation, there’s something to thank Him for. A grateful heart is a happy heart.
50. Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” This day is made for us. Whatever is happening is not an accident. It’s all given for a purpose and serves our highest good. We can spend the rest of the day in joy and gladness if we trust God to fulfill His good purpose for us.

Turning to God for Help, Strength, and Hope in Challenging Times

51. Isaiah 40:31: But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
52. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.”
53. Romans 12:2: Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
54. Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.
55. Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
56. Isaiah 41:10: Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
57. Matthew 6:33: But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
58. Psalm 34:4: I sought Yahweh, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
59. Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
60. 2 Corinthians 12:9: He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
61. Psalm 27:1: Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
62. Isaiah 26:3: You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace because he trusts in you.
63. Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
64. John 14:27: Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
65. Psalm 34:8: Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
66. Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
67. Isaiah 40:29: He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
68. Jeremiah 32:17: Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard for you.
69. Psalm 23:1: Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
70. John 16:33: I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.
71. Psalm 118:14: Yahweh is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.
72. Galatians 6:9: Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
73. Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
74. Colossians 3:2: Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
75. Psalm 56:3: When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Guarding Your Heart Above All Things

If we keep dwelling on everything we go through in this life, we will lose hope. If we focus on the things above, we will find inspiration and motivation. God’s Word calls upon us to seek first God’s Kingdom and its righteousness, and everything else will be given to us as well.

FAQ: Finding Motivation and Inspiration in the Bible

How can I stay motivated and encouraged when things are tough?

1. Nourish your soul with inspirational Bible verses: The Bible is full of encouraging verses that will speak into your specific circumstances and illuminate your heart from within.
2. Prayer and meditation: As you pray and meditate on inspirational Bible verses, you will experience inner peace and strength. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak God’s truth into your heart as you immerse yourself in the scriptures. 
3. Community and support: Participate in a supportive community of believers or a local church. Motivation can be tricky, as you never know what will re-ignite the flame of God in your heart. 
4. Set goals: Goals can be a lifesaver when they are achievable and meaningful. They help us to maintain focus and provide a sense of purpose.
5. Reflect on your past victories: Think about all the obstacles you’ve already overcome by God’s grace. This can be a great confidence booster and a source of motivation.

What Inspirational Bible Verses Give Strength?

Reflect on these positive Bible verses to get encouragement and inspiration:

• Isaiah 41:10: Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Romans 8:28: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What are some resources for finding Bible verses about motivation and inspiration?

1. Online Bible Websites: Websites dedicated to Bible resources often provide a wealth of inspirational scriptures. The most popular ones are Bible Gateway and Bible Hub.
2. Bible Apps: There are numerous Bible apps that you can install on your phone and look up specific topics, including inspirational and motivational verses.
3. Concordances: Check concordances like Strong’s Concordance to look up inspirational Bible verses related to your topic of interest.
4. Devotionals: Many authors write daily devotionals that expound on inspirational Bible quotes, providing guidance and encouragement.
5. Spiritual Leaders: Pastors, teachers, or leaders in your church can be a good source of spiritual guidance.
6. Bible Study Groups: Joining a Bible study group is a good idea if you want to hear a wide range of inspirational and motivational verses with a time of discussion and reflection.