20 summer Bible verses for encouragement & inspiration

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Summertime is almost here! Bring on the warm weather, pool parties, and long afternoons spent outdoors. From retirees to teens, the summer brings adventure and opportunities for fun that are often harder to come by in the colder months (depending where you live). 

Although your professional life may not adhere to the traditional “school rhythm” associated with the fall, winter, and spring seasons, many still welcome the change of pace that the summer often brings. Because summertime can often lead to travel, late nights, and other such delightful disruptions, our typical schedules can easily get thrown out of whack—and our spiritual health is not immune from this change. 

As you head into the season ahead, it is important to maintain regular engagement with scripture. Don’t let your summer fun indirectly and unintentionally lead you away from your relationship with God. Regular Bible reading is one of the best ways that we can connect with God, and it can be your go-to source for personal reflection and inspiration in the summer months. 

If you’re unsure of where to start, below are some summer Bible verses that touch on themes of adventure, rest, the wonder of creation, and more. 

*All of the Bible verses in this blog are from the New International Version (NIV) translation 

Summer Bible verses about rest

While summer is often a time of lots of activities and perhaps even some vacations, it is also a great opportunity for rest and relaxation. Depending on your age and stage of life, summer can be the best time to pause, reflect, and dig more deeply into God’s word. 

Below are five verses that can help you reflect on what it means to rest, and how trusting in the Lord leads to peace, rejuvenation, and balance. 

• Psalm 23:2-3 “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
• Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
• Exodus 33:14 “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
• Mark 6:31 “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”
• Isaiah 40:31 “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.”

Summer verses in the Bible about adventure

For some, summertime means adventure time! However, with adventure and new experiences often comes apprehension and fear. But the good news is that the Bible is full of verses that encourage our hearts and compel us to take courage. 

Let’s look at some scripture that can give us courage for the summer adventures that may await us. 

• Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
• Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Summer Bible verses for kids

For most families, summertime means kids are hanging around the house more than normal when they would typically be at school. Every kid and every family handles summer and holiday breaks differently.

While some children may feel restless staying at home all day, others may be busier than ever with sports, camp, and travel. Whatever summer throws their way, here are some Bible verses to help guide and encourage the young ones in your church community during their time away from school.

• Matthew 24:32 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.”
• Psalm 113:3 “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
• Psalm 118:24 “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
• Proverbs 10:5 “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
• Psalm 147:8 “He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.”

Bible verses about God’s creation

Depending on your location and preference, you may want to spend a lot of time indoors during the summer, or spend as much time as possible outside. Even if your summers are hotter than you’d want, you’re likely going to spend more time outdoors than you would any other time of year. 

From road trips to beaches to national parks, what a wonderful opportunity to revel in God’s creation! God reveals himself in creation, and he reminds us of that throughout the Bible. Below are some Bible verses to ruminate on as you enjoy and explore the Lord’s creation this summer and throughout the year.

• Job 12:7-10 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
• Psalm 65:12-13 “The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing.”
• Colossians 1:16-17 “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
• Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
• Psalm 96:11-12 “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

Make the most of every moment this summer 

As we welcome summer, let us not forget how easy it is for our changing (or lack of) routine to lead us away from our faith and our local church community. Whether kids are running around the house more than normal, or you’re out and about exploring the world, it is important to be intentional about staying in God’s word, otherwise it probably won’t happen. Take time to rest and reflect this summer. 

We hope these summer Bible verses help you make your summer as spiritually engaging and impactful as possible. At Subsplash, we’re honored to serve over 17,000 churches and organizations with best-in-class digital engagement tools to share the hope of Jesus with millions of people around the world. Are you ready to find out how to stay connected and reach more people this summer and beyond? [.blog-contact-cta]Schedule a free demo today![.blog-contact-cta]

Additional resources you may find helpful

• 25 encouraging Bible verses about hope in hard times
• 36 Bible verses about discipleship every pastor needs to know
• 21 Bible verses about tithes and offerings‍
• 45 Easter Bible verses to help celebrate that Jesus is risen