Spiritual Warfare: Sword of the Spirit 4 (the sword)
Okay now, onto the list of verses I shared with my family member for her to use in spiritual battles, when Satan's got us down and cowering in fear. These were specifically chosen for comfort, encouragement, and strength - and I added a few extra here for different kinds of temptations, trials, or confessions.
I suggest printing them out, reading them over and over again, writing them out, memorizing some, taking a list with you wherever you go, etc. Whatever it takes to get through the hard times.
And when the attacks, temptations, or hard times come, turn them into prayers (I'll share my own personal Scripture-based prayers in the next post) or simply speak out loud the ones that fit your particular struggle, trial, temptation, or fear. Declare to yourself, to the struggle/temptation, and to the Enemy/spirit world that "It is written ..." and then quote a verse that fits. And let God's Word comfort and still your soul as the sword of the Spirit fights for you.
[Listen to Dr. Tony Evans sermon about God's Word: Sword of the Spirit. And watch the movie War Room. So good! (When I grow up, I want to be Ms. Clara... mixed with Sarah Smith from C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. That's my goal: Clara + Sarah.)]
This list of verses is my labor of love, my baby, something I'm writing really for myself because I need it so much, daily - which is why I spent so much time typing it up by hand (no cut-and-paste from other sources) and why I keep adding to it. I need to be immersed in God's Word as much as possible to keep my head above water, to encourage my heart.
I've been so discouraged for years that I'm not good at encouraging myself anymore, not good at "looking at the bright side." (My mind can be a very dark, depressing, scary place sometimes.) And because of this - because of a lot of upheaval, loss, tragedy, and hopelessness, too much too close together - I've been having a very hard time knowing how to pray anymore. A hard time finding my own words to pray.
And so I fall back on Scripture. I run to God's Word and let it hold me up, encourage me, and be my prayers. And it's enough. It gets me through.
For starters, I really recommend memorizing these four Psalms:
1. At the very least, Psalm 23. If you only memorize one Psalm, let this be it. I can't tell you how many times I quote this one from memory when I need it, such as when I feel anxiety or hopelessness creeping up on me, when all the bad things start circling around my mind, and when I was standing in the back of a courtroom waiting to be called to the stand to testify against my mother at her murder trial. (I spent almost three hours on the stand. She lost and got sentenced to life in prison without parole, as it probably should be. Sad, but justice.)
2. Psalm 27, which is excellent but much longer. I memorized this one during the investigation for my mom's trial, when I could barely stand anymore because of the crushing anxiety. (It was also during this time that her friends and family were getting death threats and hate mail. But, thankfully, I didn't get any because I wasn't connected with her online, and so no one knew how to find me. But we were still terrified. And so we pulled our kids into the house, shut up our doors and windows, and put up blackout curtains, afraid to even walk outside to get the mail.) Anyway, if I can memorize this one when my brain was completely fried, I'm sure you can memorize it, too.
3. And Psalm 91, another long one - but so wonderful - which I memorized at the start of the covid pandemic and all the political/social craziness - which just so happened to coincide with the start of my mom's investigation and with us leaving our church of 20 years because of the Calvinism that hijacked it. (All of this happened within about 9 months. It was a really, really bad bunch of years for me. And it's a miracle that I'm still here, that my heart didn't give out.) This is a Psalm I come back to again and again!
4. And Psalm 145, which is just a great Psalm of praise! I memorized this one when things just kept getting worse and worse and my thinking was getting darker and darker, and I knew I needed to begin praising God in order to fight off the darkness that was smothering me, that was trying to take me down. (I'm gonna try to memorize Psalm 121 next. Another great one.)
(When I say I've been through a lot, I mean I've been through a lot! When I say I understand pain and anxiety, I mean I really understand pain and anxiety - incredible pain and terror-level anxiety, for far too long! And so when I say that I understand how hard the spiritual battles can be and how much we need God and His Word, I mean it. I've been there, done that, and gotten through. And so can you!)
Note: Remember that Psalms and Proverbs are songs, prayers, a heart's cries, wise sayings, and principles, not necessarily hard-core promises. They're meant to encourage, instruct, and uplift, not to build all your theological views on. I say this so that you don't claim something that's not a promise from God and then get your faith crushed when it doesn't happen.
And another note: This is a mix of KJV and NIV verses. I could only use so many NIV verses because of copyright restrictions, but the KJV is open domain. I will note which ones are KJV. The rest are NIV: Scripture quotations taken from HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (registered trademark). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
And, take heart, you can understand the KJV just fine. Ye shall see. But to make it easier, I added quotations within the KJV when someone is speaking, and I capitalized pronouns that refer to God (in both translations), and I am removing or changing some of the archaic KJV words to make it more contemporary, like changing "ye/thee/thou/thine" to "you/your" (whatever the proper pronoun should be)... "shalt" to "shall"... "doth" to "does... "hast" to "has/have"... "art" to "are"... "unto" to "to"... "wilt" to "will"... "taketh" to "take"... "mine" to "my"... "shew" to "show"... "privily" to "secretly"... "for ever" to "forever"... "honour/neighbour" to "honor/neighbor," etc. It flows easier this way. (I won't update all, but most. And I'll mark the ones I updated with an *. So see the King James Bible if you want the verses as they originally are, without my changes.)
[I know what you're thinking: "Then just use the New King James which updated the language of the King James for us." But no. Despite what we assume, the New King James did not merely update the language of the King James, but it's actually based on different manuscripts. But I trust the old King James most. Though it's not perfect, I believe it's almost always the one to refer to when you have a question about what a verse is really saying. (But for ease of reading and comprehension, I like and use the NIV, which I grew up with. And I strongly recommend staying away from the ESV, a Calvinist Bible.)]
Exodus 14:13-14: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The [enemy] you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
From Exodus 20 (KJV*): “I am the Lord your God ... You shall have no other gods before Me.... You shall not bow down yourself to [idols], nor serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God... You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.... Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.... Honor your father and your mother... You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house...wife...nor anything that is your neighbor's."
Numbers 6:24-26 (a blessing from the Lord): "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 11:23: "The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.'"
Deuteronomy 4:29: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 6:11-12: “... then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord...”
Deuteronomy 20:4: “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 24:14-15 (KJV): “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your forefathers served… and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
2 Kings 6:15-17 (KJV), (after seeing the surrounding army) "...‘Alas, my master! how shall we do?' And [Elisha] answered, 'Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.' And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see.' And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
2 Chronicles 14:11: “... Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord, our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.”
2 Chronicles 16:9: "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."
Nehemiah 8:10: “… Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Job 1:21: "…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."
Psalm 1 (KJV*): “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
Psalm 3:3-8 (KJV*): “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for You have smitten all my enemies upon the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord: Your blessing is upon Your people.”
Psalm 4:1,8: “Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer… I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:4: “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your heart and be silent.”
Psalm 5:1-3: “Give ear to my words, O Lord. Consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.”
Psalm 5:11-12: “But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with You favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 6:1-4,6,9: "O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of Your unfailing love... I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears... The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer."
Psalm 9:9-10: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who hope in Your name will trust in You, for You, O Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You."
Psalm 10:1,12,17-18: "Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?... Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless... You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed..."
Psalm 13 (KJV*): “How long will You forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest my enemy say, 'I have prevailed against him;' and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 15: “Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and who has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usary and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.”
Psalm 16:1,7-9: “Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge… I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
Psalm 18:1-21 (KJV*): “I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my [shield], and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even unto His ears... He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me... but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me... The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.”
Psalm 18:25-27 (KJV*): "With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with an upright man You will show Yourself upright; With the pure You will show Yourself pure... For You will save the afflicted people; but will bring down high looks."
Psalm 18:28-30 (KJV*): "For You will light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I have run through a troop [of enemies]; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: He is a [shield] to all those that trust in Him."
Psalm 18:31-36 (KJV*): “For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places... You have also given me the shield of Your salvation: and Your right hand has holden me up, and Your gentleness has made me great. You have enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.”
Psalm 19:1-3 (KJV): “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.”
Psalm 19:7-11 (KJV): "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them, there is great reward."
Psalm 21:7: “For [I] trust in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High [I] will not be shaken.”
Psalm 23 (KJV*): “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. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 25:1-3 (KJV*): “Unto You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You: let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on You be ashamed…”
Psalm 25:4-5,9-12 (KJV*): "Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day... The meek will He guide in judgment [in knowing what is right]; and the meek will He teach His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that fears the Lord? him shall He teach in the way that he shall choose."
Psalm 25:15-21 (KJV*): "My eyes are ever toward the Lord; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.... O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on You."
Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me Your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 28:1-2,6-7: "To You I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your Most Holy Place... Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."
Psalm 30:1-5,10-12 (KJV*): “I will extol You, O Lord; for You have lifted me up… O Lord my God, I cried unto You, and You have healed me. O Lord, You have brought up my soul from the grave: You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness... Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me: Lord, be my helper. You have turned for me my mourning into dancing: You have put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness... O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto You forever.”
Psalm 32:5: "Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' - and You forgave the guilt of my sin."
Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
Psalm 33:18-22 (KJV): "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee."
Psalm 34:1-9 (KJV): “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears... This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and [He] delivereth them."
Psalm 34:8-9 (KJV): "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him."
Psalm 34:12-16 (KJV): "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth."
Psalm 34:17-19: "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Psalm 35:1-10,17,22,28 (KJV*): "Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, 'I am your salvation.' Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them. For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he has hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation. All my bones shall say, 'Lord, who is like unto You, which delivers the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that [robs] him?'... Lord, how long will You look on? rescue my soul from their destructions... keep not silence... be not far from me... And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long."
Psalm 36:5,7: “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies… How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 37:3-5 (KJV*): "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."
Psalm 37:1-2,6-11 (KJV*): “Fret not because of evildoers, neither be envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb... [But] He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself [because worry might lead you] to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, you shall diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
Psalm 37:12-15 (KJV*): "The wicked plot against the just, and gnash upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at [the wicked]: for He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay those of upright conversation. [But] their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken."
Psalm 37:16-20 (KJV*): "A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholds the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish...”
Psalm 37:23-40 (KJV*): "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with His hand... Depart from evil and do good; and dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves judgment [justice], and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of judgment [justice]. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide… Wait on the Lord and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it… But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him."
From Psalm 38 (KJV*): “O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath: neither chasten me in Your hot displeasure... For my iniquities are gone over my head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me... I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long... I am feeble and sore broken... Lord, all my desire is before You; and my groaning is not hid from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me: as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me… [But] in You, O Lord, do I hope: You will hear, O Lord my God... For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin... Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.”
From Psalm 40 (KJV*): "I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that makes the Lord his trust, and respects not the proud, nor those who turn aside to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works, which You have done, and Your thoughts which are to us-ward...they are more than can be numbered... I delight to do Your will, O my God: yea, Your law is within my heart... Withhold not Your tender mercies from me, O Lord: let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil... Let all those that seek You rejoice and be glad in You: let those who love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified.' But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks of me: You are my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God."
Psalm 42:11: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 43:3 (KJV): "O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me."
Psalm 44:5-8,26: "Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your name forever... Rise up and help us; redeem us because of Your unfailing love."
Psalm 46:1-3,11: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging... The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
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.”
Psalm 51:1-2: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Psalm 51:10-12 (KJV): “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit.”
Psalm 51:17 (KJV): “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”
Psalm 52:8b-9a: “I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good.”
Psalm 54 (KJV): “Save me, O God, by Thy name, and judge [vindicate] me by Thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that upholdeth my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in Thy truth. I will freely sacrifice unto Thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble…”
Psalm 55:1-2,4-5,16-18a,22-23 (KJV*): "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not Yourself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint... My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me... [But] As for me, I will call upon my God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice. He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me… Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain You: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved... O God...I will trust in You."
Psalm 56:3-4: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
Psalm 57:1-3 (KJV): “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.”
Psalm 57:9-11 (KJV): “I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto Thee among the nations. For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds. Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.”
Psalm 59:1,9-10,16: “Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me… O my strength, I watch for You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. God will go before me… I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
Psalm 62:1-2: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Psalm 62:5-8: “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 63:1-8 (KJV*): "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You: my soul thirsts for You...to see Your power and Your glory... Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live: I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied...[and] my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips: When I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice. My soul follows after You: Your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 64:1-2,8,10: "Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers... [God] will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn... Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; let all the upright in heart praise Him!"
Psalm 66:17-20: "I cried out to Him with my mouth; His praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!"
Psalm 67:1-3: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among the nations. May the peoples praise You, O God; may all the people praise You."
Psalm 68:19-20: "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death."
Psalm 69:1-3,13-18,29-30,32-33 (KJV*): “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: my eyes fail while I wait for my God... But my prayer is unto You, O Lord... Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for Your lovingkindness is good: turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. And hide not Your face from Your servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw near unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of my enemies... I am poor and sorrowful: let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving... The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord hears the poor.”
Psalm 70:1,4-5: "Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me... May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, 'Let God be exalted!' Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay."
Psalm 71:1-3,12: “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. Rescue me and deliver me in Your righteousness; turn Your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress… Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.”
Psalm 71:14-15,19-21: “But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure… Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”
Psalm 73:23-28: "Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge..."
Psalm 77:9-22,32 (KJV*): "[The people] turned back in the day of battle. They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His law; And forgot His works, and His wonders that He had showed them. Marvellous things did He in the sight of their fathers... He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters to stand up as a heap. In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. And they sinned yet more against Him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking for meat for their lust. Yea, they spoke against God; they said, 'Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold, He smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can He give bread also? can He provide meat for His people?' Therefore the Lord heard this, and was angry... Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation... they sinned still, and believed not for His wonderous works."
Psalm 79:8-9: “… may Your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.”
Psalm 80:1-2;19: "Hear us, O Shepherd... Awaken Your might; come and save us... Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved."
Psalm 84:12 (KJV): “O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.”
Psalm 85:1a,6-9: “Restore us again, O God our Savior… Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation. I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints - but let [us] not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.”
Psalm 86: “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to You. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me. Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; no deeds can compare with Yours. All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name. For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love toward me; You have delivered me from the depths of the grave... You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant Your strength to Your servant and save Your faithful servant. Give me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”
Psalm 89:14-17a: "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are they those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exalt in Your righteousness. For You are their glory and strength..."
Psalm 90:12,14,17(KJV): "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom... O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days... And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands..."
Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lions and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves Me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.'"
Psalm 92:1-2,5,13-15 (KJV): "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High: To shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night... O Lord, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep... Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
Psalm 94:18-19: “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ Your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Psalm 94:22 (KJV): “But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.”
Psalm 97:10-12 (KJV*): "You that love the Lord, hate evil: He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness."
Psalm 100 (KJV): "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 103: (KJV*): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy... For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us... The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children; to those who keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them..."
Psalm 105:4-5,7 (KJV): “Seek the Lord and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvellous works that He hath done; His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth… He is the Lord our God…”
Psalm 107:13-14: "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains."
Psalm 108:4-6: “For great is Your Love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with Your right hand, that those You love may be delivered.”
Psalm 109:1,21-22,26,30-31: “O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent… But You, O Sovereign Lord, deal well with me for Your name’s sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me… Help me, O Lord my God, save me in accordance with Your love… With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord, in the great throng I will praise Him. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.”
Psalm 116:1-9 (KJV): “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; ‘O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul!’ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”
Psalm 118:1,5-8,13-14: "O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: because His mercy endureth for ever... I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord [is my helper]... It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man... [My enemy] hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."
Psalm 118:24 (KJV): “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 119:1-3,7-12,15-16 (KJV): “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in His ways... I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments. I will keep Thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes... I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy word.”
Psalm 119:29-32,35: “Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me Thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart [or "set my heart free"]... Make me go in the path of Thy commandments, for therein do I delight.”
Psalm 119:64,66,68 (KJV): “The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy: teach me Thy statutes… Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Thy commandments… Thou art good, and doest good; teach me Thy statutes.”
Psalm 119:89-90: “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.”
Psalm 119:97,103-104 (KJV): “O how I love Thy law! it is my meditation all the day… How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”
Psalm 119:105,114,116-117 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path... Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word... Uphold me according unto Thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes continually.”
Psalm 119:125,129-131,133 (KJV): “I am Thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies… Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for Thy commandments… Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Psalm 119:132,135: “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name… Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your decrees.”
Psalm 120:1-2 (KJV): “In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord...”
Psalm 121:1-3,7-8: “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber… The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 124:8: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 131: "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty. I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore."
Psalm 138:1-3,6-8 (KJV): "I will praise Thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee. I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou has magnified Thy word above all Thy name. In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul... Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.”
Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 140:6-13 (KJV): "I said unto the Lord, 'Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.' O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. I know the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence."
Psalm 141:1-4,8-10 (KJV): "Lord, I cry unto Thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto Thee. Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties... But mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the [traps] of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, [while I escape]."
Psalm 142:1-7 (KJV): "I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before Him; I shewed before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right, and beheld, but there was no man that would [notice] me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto Thee, O Lord: I said, 'Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.' Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for Thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
Psalm 143 (KJV): "Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness... For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit fadeth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake: for Thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant."
Psalm 144:1-2,7-8: "Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues people under me... Reach down from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners, whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful."
Psalm 145:18: "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth."
Psalm 145: "I will exalt you, my God the King. I will praise Your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds. They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. All You have made will praise You, O Lord; Your saints will extol You. They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, so that all men may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 146: “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them – the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 147:3,6,11: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground... the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love."
Proverbs 2:6-8: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV*): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:25-26: "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
Proverbs 4:23-27: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
Proverbs 10:19: "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Proverbs 15:16: "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil."
Proverbs 18:10 (KJV): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 28:13: "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
Proverbs 28:25: “… he who trusts in the Lord will prosper."
Proverbs 30:5: "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
Isaiah 12:2: "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."
Isaiah 25:4: "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."
Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace he whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 30:15: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..."
Isaiah 40:11,29,31: "He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young... He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… 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 41:10,13: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand… For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
Isaiah 43:1-3: "... Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."
Isaiah 54:10: "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
Isaiah 57:15: "For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."
Jeremiah 17:7-8: "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 29:11: “'For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Jeremiah 31:25: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Lamentations 3:19-26: "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Lam. 3:55-59: "I call on Your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: 'Do not close Your ears to my cry for relief.' You came near when I called You, and You said, 'Do not fear.' O Lord, You took up my case; You redeemed my life. You have seen, O Lord, the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!"
Micah 6:8 (KJV): "He has shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
Nahum 1:7: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him,"
Hab. 2:20 (KJV): “But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.”
Hab. 3:18-19 (KJV): "Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me walk upon mine high places."
Matthew 5:3-10: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:11-12,44: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven ... Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,"
Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV): "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Matthew 7:7 (KJV): "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 22:37-39: "Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Matthew 25:21: “… ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 26:39: “… My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Mark 9:24: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
Luke 1:37 (KJV): “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Luke 6:27: “… Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 10:17: "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’"
Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
John 6:68-69: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God."
John 8:32 (KJV): "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:36 (KJV): "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
John 10:10: Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full."
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 5:3-5: “… we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”
Romans 8:26,28,31: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express… 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... If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 10:11 (KJV): “… ‘Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.’”
Romans 10:13 (KJV): "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 12:12: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:14-21: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse... Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink...'"
Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 16:20: "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."
1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV): “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
1 Cor. 10:13: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
1 Cor. 10:14-22,31: “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say… the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons? Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy?... So whether you eat or drink of whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Cor. 13:4-8: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Cor. 15:51-52 [KJV]: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
2 Cor. 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Cor. 4:8-9,16-18: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Cor. 5:7 (KJV): “For we walk by faith, not by sight”
2 Cor. 5:17 (KJV): “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Cor. 10:3-5: “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Cor. 12:9-10: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Galatians 5:19-23: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…"
Ephesians 3:12: "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
Ephesians 3:16-21: “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” [This would include unwholesome talk to or about ourselves.]
Ephesians 5:8-11: “… Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 6:10-18: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the [spoken] word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests….be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Philippians 1:6: “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 3:13: “… Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Phil. 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:8: “… whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
Phil. 4:13,19: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength… And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Colossians 1:13-14: “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Col. 3:2,5-16: "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things… Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming... rid yourselves of all such as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator... Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."
Col. 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus you are serving.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
1 Thess. 4:16-18 (KJV): “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
1 Thess. 5:16-18 (KJV): "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
2 Thess. 3:16 (KJV): “Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”
1 Timothy 6:6 (KJV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
1 Tim. 6:9-10: "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils."
1 Tim. 6:11-12 (KJV): "But thou, O man of God...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life..."
2 Tim. 1:7 (KJV): "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Tim. 4:7-8 (KJV): "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."
2 Tim. 4:18: "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 4:14,16 (KJV): “… let us hold fast our profession [of faith]… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 10:31 (KJV): "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands on the living God."
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV): “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 12:1-2: “... let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus...”
Hebrews 13:5-6: “… God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”
James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
James 1:12 (KJV): "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."
James 1:13-15 (KJV): "Let no man say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted of God': for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
James 1:19-21: "... Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent..."
James 3:13-18: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition if your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Suh 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthy, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
James 4:7-8 (KJV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."
1 Peter 3:3-4: "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
1 Peter 3:14-16: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior may be ashamed of their slander.”
1 Peter 5:6 (KJV): "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time."
1 Peter 5:7-10: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 John 2:14 (KJV): "... the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
1 John 4:4 (KJV): “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome [evil ones]: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
1 John 5:4 (KJV): "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world..."
Jude 1:24-25: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."
Rev. 21:1-4 (KJV): “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.' And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Rev. 22:7,20-21: “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book… He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen”
