Category: Faith

There are no two ways around it: life is hard. However, the biblical meaning of restore and renew involves God’s way of bringing about a restored soul, restoration of peace, physical restoration, and even financial restitution. 

Hope abounds in Christ! Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are filled with the process of restoration of God’s people in various ways. Let’s dive in.

What Does Restore Mean Biblically?

God’s restoration of us is a beautiful gift. God’s Word is full of Hebrew and Greek words referencing His restoration process.

The dictionary definition of restoration is the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition. The biblical meaning of the word “restore” is mostly literal. 

Tangible Restoration

Land, property, health, life, and other tangibles are the subject of restoration:

• 1 Kings 20:34 – “I will return the cities my father took from your father,” Ben-Hadad offered. “You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.”
• Job 20:10 – “His children must make amends to the poor; his own hands must give back his wealth.”
• Ezekiel 18:7 – “He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.”
• Mark 3:5 – “Jesus looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”

We see such restoration throughout the Book of Job. The story of Job is sobering to read because he literally loses everything except his life and faith. Job’s friends only see the turn of Job’s fortunes due to sin. But that wasn’t the case. 

God’s desire was to prove to Satan that a believer’s faith can be stronger than any misery they endure – even the severest afflictions. God restored to Job a double portion of the blessings he had before, including Job’s former condition of health and wealth.

Figurative Restoration

When we look at the figurative usage of restoration, there are several verses to consider covering two overarching areas. 

1. Spiritual Restoration

First and foremost (since it impacts eternal life) is spiritual restoration. This aspect holds a different value than physical restoration because only our spirit is eternal. It is a return to our proper condition before the loss of Eden — a spiritual reset, if you will.

In Psalm 51:12, David writes: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” After falling headlong into sin with Bathsheba, David turns to our God of restoration. 

In Psalm 23:3, the psalmist calls on the name of the Lord for strength during trials: “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

In Galatians 6:1, mature believers are also encouraged to identify their spiritual gifts and strengths in order to restore the spiritual health of a wayward believer: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” 

2. Eschatological Restoration

The Word of God also references an eschatological restoration, which points to the Last Judgment, the reign of Christ, and times of restoration of all things:

• Matthew 19:28 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel‘.”
• Acts 3:20-21 – “That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.”

Eschatological restoration is a category that garners significant theological discussion and fear fodder for prosperity preachers. But Scripture is clear that the restoration of man comes from God alone through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Does Renew Mean Biblically?

God sent Jesus into the world not only to restore us but to renew us. Biblically, renewal means that we are remade into something new and better in Christ. 

Renewal references God’s process of sanctification. Sanctification encompasses the work of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into eternal life. It includes the gift of faith, justification, our inner transformation, perseverance in faith, and complete renewal on Judgment Day.

In the process of renewal, God removes us from our former place of spiritual darkness and ushers us into His glorious light.

• 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
• Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In some places the Bible conveys renewal in a primary sense of literal rather than spiritual. For instance, the kingdom renewal at Gilgal: “Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship” (1 Samuel 11:14). 

What is Spiritual Renewal?

In addition to the points and passages above, spiritual renewal means relying on Christ through faith for inner strength and resolve in our pursuit of God. 

Spiritual renewal is not merely a theological concept. In Christ, we are given a clear sense of sin and its damage that is replaced by a fresh sense of God, His grace, and God’s plan for our lives.

• Lamentations 5:21 – “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return.” 
• Ephesians 4:22-23 – “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” 
• Colossians 3:9-10 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” 

Spiritual renewal is also viewed from the perspective of repentance: “…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt” (Hebrews 6:6). Repentance is key to spiritual renewal.

Spiritual renewal includes renewed vigor and realigning our thoughts with God’s truth as the bedrock of our lives. God’s promise to renew us through Christ leads us to the green pastures of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Our cup overflows with His restoring, renewing love!

Related Posts:

• 10 Powerful Prayers for Repentance and Restoration
• Encouraging Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
• The Best Bible Verses About the Power of a Woman

About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

Some days I feel like the worst Scripture memorizer ever. I always take notes when someone tells me the best Bible verses to memorize that have helped them. Then I promptly forget. Can you relate?

As a new Christian over three decades ago, I often failed at Scripture memory because I started with too many verses and was impatient with the process. One great verse or short Bible verse is just as powerful as a long one. Bible memory diligence is hard work. 

Over the years I have learned that hiding God’s Word in my heart isn’t a race. I win no prize for the amount of Bible passages I memorize. 

The most important thing was to identify my areas of weakness and memorize specific verses to help in difficult times. Find your own way that works and stick to it.

Why is it Important to Memorize Scripture?

As Christ’s followers, the best way to live is by allowing the Word of God to dwell richly in our souls to have victory over sin and the devil. Coming to your own understanding of God’s complete love and care for you is an immeasurable blessing.

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).  

Jesus Himself tells us how important it is to memorize Scripture: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God‘” (Matthew 22:29).

The Apostle Paul also encourages: “ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). 

Here are several memory verses organized by topic that you can learn at your own pace. Scripture memorization is one the most important things you can do in the whole world. There is a free download at the end to print and tuck into your Bible.

Bible Verses About God

Genesis 1:1​ – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

John 1:1​ – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Psalm 147:5​ – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”

Bible Verses About Obeying God

Joshua 1:8 ​- “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Matthew 22:37 – “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

Bible Verses For Strength

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 40:31 ​- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Philippians 4:13​ – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Bible Verses About Peace

Psalm 4:8​ – “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Isaiah 26:3​ – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

John 14:27​ – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 16:33​ – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Bible Verses About How to Live

Leviticus 19:11​ – “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”

Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 

Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Bible Verses About Forgiveness

Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Psalm 103:2-3​ – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”

​I wrote an entire Bible study on Forgiveness that you can find here.

Bible Verses About God’s Word

Hebrews 4:12​ – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Bible Verses About Faith

Romans 10:17​ – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Mark 11:22-23 – “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”

Romans 5:1​ – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:18​ – “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Bible Verses About Life in Christ

Philippians 1:6 – “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Romans 12:2​ – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Bible Verses About Hope

Romans 15:13​ – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Psalm 33:18 – “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.”

Psalm 119:114 – “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”

Bible Verses for the Weary

Matthew 11:28-30​ – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

​Bible Verses About Sin

Romans 3:23​ – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 5:18 – “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”

Bible Verses About Unity

Psalm 133:1-2​ – Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!”

Ephesians 4:1-3 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Bible Verses About Our Purpose

Romans 8:28​ – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Galatians 2:20​ – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Philippians 4:8​ – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Colossians 3:23-24​ – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Bible Verses About Sharing the Gospel

Romans 10:14-15​ – “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? How are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

1 Peter 2:9​ – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 3:15-16​ – “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

Matthew 28:19-20​ – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Bible Verses About Salvation

Romans 10:9-10​ – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

John 1:12​ – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

John 5:24 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

John 11:25​ – “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

John 14:6​ – “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Acts 4:12​ – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Bible Verses About God’s Love

Romans 8:38-39​ – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

1 Corinthians 2:9 – “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'”

1 John 3:16​ – “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

Revelation 21:4​ – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Bible Verses About Loving Others

John 13:35​ – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:13​ – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Matthew 22:37-39​ – “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Bible Verses About God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 145:18-19​ – The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Philippians 4:19​ – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 100:5​ – “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

Bible Verses About the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8​ – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1 Corinthians 6:19​ – “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”

Galatians 5:22-23​ – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Bible Verses About Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13​ – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Matthew 26:41​ – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Bible Verses About Confession

James 5:16​ – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

1 John 1:9​ – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

Bible Verses About Tests of Faith

James 1:2-3 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

1 Peter 1:6-7​ – “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Bible Verses About Contentment

Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

Philippians 4:11​ – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Bible Verses About Trusting the Lord

Proverbs 3:5-6​ – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Isaiah 55:8​ – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

Jeremiah 29:11​ – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear

Proverbs 3:25-26​ – Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

Isaiah 41:10​ – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 56:3​ – “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Bible Verses for Praising God

Psalm 96:2​ – “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”

Psalm 100:1 – “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!” 

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!”

Bible Verses About Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10​ – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice

Isaiah 53:4-5​ – Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 ​- “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

1 Peter 2:24​ – “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

Bible Verses for Right Living

Micah 6:8​ – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Matthew 7:24-25​ – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”

Hebrews 10:24-25​ – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Bible Verses for Anxiety

1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Matthew 6:31-33​ – “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”

I pray that God takes you on an amazing journey of enriching your mind and heart as you fill it with His Word.

FREE DOWNLOAD: BEST BIBLE VERSES TO MEMORIZE

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About the Author

Donna Snow is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}