All Things Inspired

You're looking for motivation? You want something Inspirational? It's Biblical!

As you begin to read this article, and hopefully other articles from All Things Inspired, I understand that you may be seeking a phrase or two that will inspire your thoughts, your actions, and your pursuit of transformational growth. While I am humbled that you would seek such insights from my writings, I am also aware that we live in a world today where motivational material abounds. There have been numerous motivational speakers and authors who have delivered their messages of hope and encouragement throughout the years. Perhaps you have a favorite speaker or writer and have followed their work.

Did you know some of the very first writings of inspiration and motivation date back to around 1,400 B.C.? In one of the oldest books of record, some 3,400 years ago, the first self-help, motivational book produced was the Bible! You're looking for motivation? You want something inspirational? It's Biblical!

I grew up in church listening to sermon after sermon, but never realized until several years ago when I read the Bible completely through for the first time, that it was such a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation. Yes, the Bible is an anthology of writings covering different topics throughout the Old and New Testaments. Yet sprinkled throughout the various books of the Bible are numerous verses of inspiration and motivation.

While there are several books in the Bible that you can find inspirational verses, in this article we'll highlight three books of the Bible that focus on inspirational topics and some other verses within the Bible that provide words of motivation.

Let's start with the book of Proverbs. This book is probably the best source of inspiration or motivation within the books of the Bible. It could be best described as a compilation of inspirational passages written to inspire wisdom and motivate people to achieve a good and successful life. Here's some of the best passages from Proverbs:

A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the diligent are always supplied - Proverbs 13:4. This simply means that hard work sees the rewards over those of lazy people.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger - Proverbs 15:1. Meaning that a response to someone who is angry in a calm manner will de-escalate a difficult situation.
A righteous man falls down seven times and gets up - Proverbs 24:16. A verse of resilience and determination.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... - Proverbs 3:5 & 6. You don't have to have every thing fall in place perfectly or have it all figured out. You just need to take the next step in faith and move toward the goal.

The book of Isaiah is best defined by powerful prophecies and emphasis of character. It offers hope and comfort to those who are weary. A few powerful verses are:

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past - Isaiah 43:18. Forgive the past and focus on the future, for that is where hope is.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint - Isaiah 40:31. This passage promises of renewed strength for those who are tired. You must trust and be patient. Soaring like eagles represents rising above difficulties and overcoming challenges. The balance of this verse motivates one to be diligent through times of urgency to being steady through your everyday grind. The promise is in God's strength that will sustain you through both.

Philippians is another book of encouragement through trials. This book focuses your mind on gratification, unity, and perseverance. Sample these verses:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13. This encouragement defines your confidence to overcome challenges and succeed.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, ... with thanksgiving, present your requests to God - Philippians 4:6. This simply means that when we have faith in God and ourselves, we should have no worry, for it is taken away.

A passage from 2 Corinthians 5:7 reinforces the last bullet point as it says, "For we live by faith, not by sight." It is an encouragement of trust, even though we may be unable to see what is happening.

I'd like to share some additional verses that you will find scattered throughout the Bible. There are many you will find, but these I hope you will find thought provoking, additional inspirations:

For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you a future and hope - Jeremiah 29:11. All the experiences you've had in life, both good and bad, have prepared you for this very moment in your life.
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens - Ecclesiastes 3:1. Be patient and trust the process for you are exactly where you're supposed to be in life at this moment.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of may kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2 & 3. We grow through adversity. We are strengthened by experience.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance for what we do not see - Hebrews 11:1
God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to your life - Romans 8:28.

My hope is that you will add the Bible to your reading list. That you will draw from it the very inspiration you seek from articles such as this or other motivational material available in media today.

The inspirational insights from the Bible are still applicable today. While these passages can impact your life in a most positive way, I encourage you, in addition to the Bible, to continue to read the articles you find on this website or from other favorite authors or speakers that you follow. The messages I try to convey in each article are intended to relate to your current life and environment. My presentation will not be a rah-rah motivational push, but I desire to give you straight-forward, practical approaches that will guide you to transformational growth.

It was a blessing for me to write about a source of such great inspiration; the Bible! I hope you found inspiration from it as well. I hope you will continue to...

Be inspired! Inspire others!