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 or trials). 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 spirit world/the Enemy 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.
[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 quoted this one from memory when I needed it, including when I stood in the back of a courtroom waiting to be called to the stand to testify against my mother - I spent almost three hours on the stand - at her murder trial. (She lost and got 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.]
Exodus 14:13-14: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
From Exodus 20: “I am the Lord your God ... You shall have no other gods before Me.... You shall not bow down to [idols] or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God ... You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.... Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.... Honor your father and your mother ... You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house...or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
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: “Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped… and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
2 Kings 6:16-17 (after seeing the surrounding army) " ‘Oh, my lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ’Don't be afraid,’ the prophet [Elisha] answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around 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: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so with the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 3:3-8: “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God!…. From the Lord comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on 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 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 13:1-6: “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart?... But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.”
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 18:1-19: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears…. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters…. The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me…”
Psalm 18:28-30: "You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him."
Psalm 18:31-36: “For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
Psalm 19:1-2: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
Psalm 19:7-11: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping 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: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even 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 overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 25:1-3: “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame…”
Psalm 25:4-5,9,12: "Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long… He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way… Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him…"
Psalm 25:15-21: "My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins... Guard my life and rescue me, let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in 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 30:1-2: “I will exalt You, O Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths… I called to You for help and You healed me.”
From Psalm 31: “In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Your righteousness. Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for You saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak… But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I have cried out to You… How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You. In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from the intrigues of men; in Your dwelling You keep them safe from accusing tongues. Praise be to the Lord, for He showed His wonderful love to me… In my alarm I said, 'I am cut off from Your sight!' Yet You heard my cry for mercy when I called to You for help. Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
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: "The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, who hope in His unfailing love... We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."
From Psalm 34: “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears… The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing... The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry… 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 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.”
From Psalm 37: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when evil men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn away from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous… If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand… Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones… The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of God is in his heart; his feet do not slip… Wait for the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it… The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them, because they take refuge in Him.”
From Psalm 38: “All my longings lie open before You, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes… I will wait for You, O Lord; You will answer me, O Lord my God… For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me… O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far off, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.”
From Psalm 40: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.… ‘I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.’… Do not withhold Your mercy from me, O Lord; may Your love and Your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me… They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O Lord, 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, ‘The Lord be exalted!’ Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.”
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 46:1-3: “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.”
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 [generous, willing] spirit.”
Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will 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.”
From Psalm 54: “Save me, O God, by Your name; vindicate me by Your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth… Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me…. I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me from all my troubles…”
From Psalm 55: "Listen to my prayer, O God, do not despise my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught… My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me… But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice… Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall... I 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: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until this disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me... God sends His love and His faithfulness.”
Psalm 57:9-11: “I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.”
Psalm 59:1,9-10,16-17: “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… But 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. O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.”
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 69:29-30: “I am in pain and distress; may Your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”
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 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 84:12: “O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.”
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. The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life – men without regard for You. But 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 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 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: “But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.”
Psalm 105:4,7: “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always… 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: “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, save me!’ The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”
From Psalm 118: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever… In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper... It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man....I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."
Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 119:1-2,7,9-11,15-16: “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.... I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws... How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you... I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”
Psalm 119:29-32,35: “Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through Your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws. I hold fast to Your statues, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free… Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.”
Psalm 119:64,66,68: “The earth is filled with Your love, O Lord; teach me Your decrees… Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in Your commands… You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees.”
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: “Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long… How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:114: “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word.”
Psalm 119:116: “Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.”
Psalm 119:125,129-131,133: “I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may understand Your statutes… Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands… Direct my footsteps according to Your word; let no sin [or fear] rule 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: “I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me.”
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: "I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart; before the 'gods' I will sing Your praise. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word. When I called, You answered me. You made me bold and stouthearted... Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your hand against the anger of my foes, with Your right hand You save me. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the work of Your 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: "O Lord, I say to You, 'You are my God.' Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy. O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle - do not grant the wicked their desires, O Lord; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud. Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. Let the burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down men of violence. I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise Your name and the upright will live before You."
Psalm 141:1-4,8-10: "O Lord, I call to You; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You. May my prayer be set before You like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies... But my eyes are fixed on You, O Sovereign Lord; in You I take refuge - do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety."
Psalm 142:1-7: "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Listen to my cry for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise Your name."
Psalm 143: "O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in Your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. My spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For Your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am Your 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: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
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: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are 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: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your 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: “But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
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 6:19-34: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also… Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?... But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself...”
Matthew 7:7: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to 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: “For nothing is impossible with God.”
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: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:36: "So if the Son sets you free, you will 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: “… ‘Anyone who trusts in Him will not be put to shame.’”
Romans 10:13: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will 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."
1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit lives 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: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will 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: “We live by faith, not by sight.”
2 Cor. 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
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: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
1 Thess. 5:16-18: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
2 Thess. 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
1 Timothy 6:6: "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: "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."
2 Tim. 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
2 Tim. 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but to all who have longed for 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: “… let us hold firmly to the faith we profess… Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 10:31: "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands on the living God!"
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
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: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:13-15: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to 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: "Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near 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: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up 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: "... the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one."
1 John 4:4: “… the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."
1 John 5:4: "… everyone born of God has overcome 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: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Also I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain, for the old order of things has 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”
