Overcome – Praying Pint

30.y. “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use “

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Colossians 4:6    Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Mark 9:49-50    For everyone will be salted with fire.  Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Luke 14:34-35   “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is of no use

2 Peter 2:20-21   For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

Salt was used to preserve meats and to slow decay. Christians should have a preserving influence on their culture. Salt must keep its “saltiness” to be of any value. When it is no good as salt, it is trampled under foot. In the same way, too many Christians lose their “flavor” and become good for nothing.

To the Church in Ephesus – But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love you had at first.

To the Church in Pergamum – You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites.

To the Church in Thyatira – You tolerate the woman Jezebel and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality.

To the Church in Sardis – I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead

To the Church in Laodicea – I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot

Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the spirit says to the Churches. Don’t be salt that loses its flavor.

25.a. “Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.”

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.

John 12:31    Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

Ephesians 2:2  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

1 John 5:19    We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

The child of God need not fear the spirit of Satan, even though they should be warned of it, because they have the indwelling Spirit of God. That indwelling Spirit is greater than he who is in the world – Satan and all of his allies. We have a resource for victory, the vital presence of the indwelling Jesus, which makes victory always possible – if we will rely on He who is in you instead of relying on ourselves. This understanding gives us courage for the battle each day and great confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit. For those walking in this truth, victory is assured – they have overcome them. It is a positive statement, not a wishful hope. We have many spiritual enemies, but not one of them is greater than Jesus who lives in us. Those who are of the world are evident because they speak as of the world; the influence of the world is evident in their speech. As Jesus said, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

We are given discernment, through His Word to know truth and lies, good and bad, holy and evil, children of God and those of this world being led and influenced by Satan the workers of evil intent and selfish gain. Do not be discouraged by the discernment and abundance of ungodliness in the world. Be thankful for the ability to understand it and the grace that has opened your heart, soul, and mind to it. God’s work in us is not done and the lost still need to be told of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

21.a. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We are not to have a hateful attitude towards anyone, not even towards those who persecute us. Jesus spoke of this same heart in Matthew 5:46: For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? The surpassing greatness of the love of Jesus in us is shown in that it can be extended to our enemies. This is how we can fulfill the command to be of the same mind toward one another. It is a simple command to be considerate of the feelings of others instead of waiting for them to be considerate of your feelings. Paul cautions us to have a humble mind-set. In refusing to set our mind on high things and in associating with the humble. We are to love our enemies and treat well those who treat us badly. Living at peace or peaceably with all means that we don’t allow contention to be our first set position or our place of refuge. As far as it is possible within us, we are to have a mindset that chooses peace over hate, anger, retaliation, and separation. Having peace is not always easy. We can be wronged so bad and the hurt so deep that peace seems to be not even an option. And yet, Scripture tells us to be at peace. This peace may be one sided. You may be the only one in peace and the other may still remain in hatred and anger. A holy example of this is when Jesus was hanging on the cross He said, “Father forgive them for they no not what they do” They had just beat, flogged, spit upon, nailed to the cross, and hurled insults at Him, and He says, “Forgive them”. I imagine the love He displayed. Let me finish My work on the cross and offer redemption and salvation to them.

How many families, friendships, and churches, split or dissolve because we choose to not live in peace. Living in harmony requires a mind set on things above and not things below. It requires us not to give anything up but rather to take on (peace) that which honors and glorifies Jesus Christ. Living in peace requires us to humble ourselves and allow whatever wrong has been directed at us to be in the all powerful and mighty hands of God. In this we honor and glorify Jesus Christ. In this we do not seek division or separation or retaliation but rather we have humbly placed it into the hands of God. We never know what the impact of “living in peace” will have on those who do harm or wish to harm us, but we do know God will work all things for the good of those who are called by His name. The next time you find yourself wronged, acknowledge it, acknowledge that you have a human nature response to want to retaliate or get even, and lay those thoughts into the hands of Jesus Christ and choose to allow peace to grow and transform into that which honors and glorifies Him alone. Take no credit for choosing peace but rather give credit to Jesus for pointing you onto the path of peace.

20.w. “Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!”

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

J.B. Phillips translates this vs, Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the Plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.

Leviticus 18:30    So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”

1 John 5:19     We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

1 John 4:4-5   Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.

1 Corinthians 3:19    For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

1 John 2:15-17    Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Ezekiel 18:31    Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!

Ephesians 4:22-24   to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,  and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Colossians 3:10   and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Psalms 34:8   Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

God’s word warns us that the “world system” – the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God – will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern, and that process must be resisted. The battleground between conforming to the world and being transformed is within the mind of the believer. Christians must think differently. “I don’t want to be conformed to this world. I want to be transformed. How do I do it?” By the renewing of your mind. The problem with many Christians is they live life based on feelings, worthy are only concerned about doing. The life based on feeling says, “How do I feel today? How do I feel about my job? How do I feel about my wife? How do I feel about worship? How do I feel about the preacher?” This life by feeling will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind. The life based on doing says, “Don’t give me your theology. Just tell me what to do. Give me the four points for this and the seven keys for that.” This life of doing will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind. God is never against the principles of feeling and doing. He is a God of powerful and passionate feeling and He commands us to be doers. Yet feelings and doing are completely insufficient foundations for the Christian life. The first questions cannot be “How do I feel?” or “What do I do?” Rather, they must be “What is true here? What does God’s Word say?” “How do I apply this or how does it apply to my life.” “What is in my heart and mind?” “How do I discern the intents and purposes of my actions?” “What things in this world are contrary to things of God?”

God’s Word must be more than do’s and do not’s. This would never transform a person from the inside. Meditation on God’s Word, however, will transform us. The problem is that we too often fall into the trap of only listening to what others have meditated on. We listen to our pastors on Sunday. We listen to radio preachers throughout the week. We may form opinions based on what they have said. We may even try to remember the three or four points they tell us are important. When is the last time we spent in God’s Word, asked God to give us wisdom and understanding, and meditated upon it? I must admit, very seldom, when our pastor is preaching, am I fully listening. I read the passage from which he is preaching. I cross-reference to other verses. I think about what God is revealing to me and then I give thought to this throughout the day. Some thoughts will stay throughout the week with me while I think about it and try to make sense of it. At the end of the day we are renewed and transformed in how we think, act, and do, by our thoughts and meditation on God’s Word. It is a shallow commitment to God when we spend no time meditating on His Word.

18.v. “For he will speak peace to his people”

John 16:31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Psalms 85:8-11    Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.

Micah 5:5   And he shall be their peace.

Ephesians 2:14-17    For he himself is our peace

Philippians 4:7    And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:16     Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Jesus relied upon His close relationship with God all the way to the cross, and even upon it. In the loneliest moments imaginable, He understood that the Father was with Him. (Guzik)

“I remember that passage about Abraham going with Isaac to mount Moriah, where Isaac was to be offered up. It is written, ‘So they went both of them together.’ So did the Eternal Father and his Well- beloved Son when God was about to give up his own Son to death. There was no divided purpose; they went both of them together.” (Spurgeon)

Jesus offered His disciples peace. He made the offer in the most unlikely circumstances. At that very minute, Judas met with Jesus’ enemies to plot His arrest. Jesus knew that He would be arrested, forsaken, rejected, mocked, humiliated, tortured and executed before the next day was over. We think that the disciples should have comforted Him – yet Jesus had peace, and enough to give to others. Jesus did not promise peace; He offered it. He said, “you may have peace.” People may follow Jesus yet deny themselves this peace. We gain the peace Jesus offered by finding it in Him. Jesus said, “that in Me you may have peace.” We won’t find real peace anywhere else other than in Jesus. This word of peace is especially meaningful set in the context of conflict – tribulation and overcome both speak of battles to fight. “He promises a peace which co-exists with tribulation and disturbances, a peace which is realized in and through conflict and struggle.” (Maclaren)

Jesus also made the promise of tribulation. Peace is offered to us, but tribulation is promised. Understanding this removes a false hope. Struggling Christians often hope for the day when they will laugh at temptation and there will be one effortless victory after another. We are promised struggle as long as we are in this world; yet there is peace in Jesus.

14.j. “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Proverbs 8:22-31    “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.  Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.  When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.  Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth,  before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.  When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,  when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep,  when he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,  then I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always,  rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.

Colossians 1:17    And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Hebrews 1:10    And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;

Psalms 33:6    By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

Isaiah 45:12    I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.

John 8:12    Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We think of Jesus Christ as our redeemer and savior. We trust in God’s Word that says He sent His Son into the world to redeem the lost and whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Do you ever give thought to where He came from? It may give you a greater appreciation for His love for you. Before the beginning and before creation and before heavenly hosts, earth, and living plants and creatures Jesus Christ was. He existed in eternity. He is Holy, Pure, and True. He willingly came to earth, taking on the form of man, healed the sick, blind, deaf, lame, paralyzed, dead, proclaimed the day of salvation, suffered, died, and rose again all for the single purpose – to redeem the lost and give hope to the perishing. Think about the grace, mercy, and love He displayed for you. For certain you did not deserve this gift of eternal life but in and through His power, might, and love He came and bore your sins so that you might have eternal life.

When things around you are falling apart and there seems to be no reason for you to rejoice and give praise to Jesus Christ remember who it is that gave His life just for you.

3.e. “But with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”

2 Chronicles 32:1 After these things and these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to win them for himself. And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, he planned with his officers and his mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?” He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

2 Kings 6:16    He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Romans 8:31     What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 John 4:4     Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

The battles we face in life come at us from many different angles. They come at us spiritually, relationally, financially, physically, and mentally. For the most part, we do not get to pick when this battle line forms against us. But surely as we breathe these battle lines will form over and over again in our lifetime. No matter how well prepared we are to face them we can never truly know the fierceness that it will come. Sometimes these battles come at us with a single front and other times it has multiple fronts.

How do we face these battles? How do we stand strong? How do we stand courageous? Where do we get the strength to endure? If we run headlong into these battles in our own strength, will, power, and might we will fail for sure but not for a lack of trying. Psalms 33:16-17 “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.” All of the battles that can and will come into our life, if taken head-on by us, will end poorly.

Here are scriptures of faith, hope, and the power of God. Let these be grounded in your heart, mind, and soul, for in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ we anchor our faith and hope. He is able to do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine.

2 Chronicles 20:15 – And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God’s.

Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

1 Samuel 17:47 – And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.

Zechariah 4:6 – Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Chronicles 32:7 – Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Corinthians 4:8 – [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

51. Unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Deuteronomy 13:3 For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him

Psalms 66:10    For you, O God, have tested us

Matthew 24:24    For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

2 Thessalonians 2:11     Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,

1 John 4:4    Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

2 Corinthians 13:5-7     Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!  I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.  But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.

God’s testing is a gift from Him to us. We can experience new areas of faith as we grow through these testings. It is possible for us to see our heart’s “faith” status in and through these testings? The answer to this is yes if we have determined (Faith) that God is sovereign, in control of everything, has power over everything, and sees and knows everything before it happens. The answer is no if we have determined (lukewarm or nonexistent Faith) that God is not in control, He is not powerful enough, and He does not know or see my troubles.

When we have faith in God all things are possible. We can run to Him in our testing trials and tell Him our anxious worrisome thoughts and seek His refuge, strength, courage, and power to carry us through.

When we don’t have faith in a loving, all powerful, all knowing God we go it alone. We worry. We complain. We have a pity party. We get angry. We feel alone. We seek self-solutions. We doubt God. We lose hope. We lose peace. We have no rest.

I recently read a commentary that said “God tests our hearts. He wants to know, to find out, to see for Himself, through the circumstances that He creates or allows to occur, what our reaction will be. He does not assume; He does not presume that He already knows. God tests and He is watching.” This is “SO WRONG”. God does know. It is because of His steadfast love that He is giving us the opportunity to see our heart faith, so we can confess, repent, and turn away from unbelief.

God tests us to show us the faith status of our heart, the commitment status of our soul, and to allow us joy, peace, rest, comfort, and hope when we seek refuge in Him and place the burden of the test into His hands.

When you are walking through a time of testing rejoice! Because if in this time of testing you seek and desire God’s refuge you will experience and see how awesome God is, you will witness His power, you will grow in faith, and worship, honor, and glorify Him in new and deeper ways.

Take heart

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,”

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

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 11:25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

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

Psalms 85:8 Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.

Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Note the times reference is made to: “tribulation, hostility, sin, broken down, persecuted, more than conquerors, strengthening, guarding your heart, resisting, peace that passes all understanding and not being afraid”. Why would we think this world give us any hope of peace when God’s world indicates, that this side of eternity, our world is far from peace apart from Him. If we are active in our pursuit of humbly serving Him we will see the world as it is – apart from God. The world we live in is not at peace with God. Man has gone on his own path which does not serve God. If we are at peace with what is going on in the world I think we are blind and deaf. Staying in God’s word, with a bright light, the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of mankind is very clear. We choose paths that give no peace, and when issues and troubles of this life pounce on us our strength to handle them is depleted very quickly. In our own strength we can do very little, and even less things of God. His purpose and plan for us is found in His word. Do not go through life complacent and neglecting Him and His word. There will always be things of this world battling for your time, effort, thoughts, and actions. Give time to His word and the Holy Spirit will lead you in paths of peace and comfort.

He is our true peace

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

“the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

“Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

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

Psalms 29:11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Psalms 72:7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

Psalms 85:10 Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

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

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 27:1 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?

Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalms 56:11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalms 91:5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Psalms 112:7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

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

Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”

When things are going well we understand peace, or at least we think we do. But true peace from and through God is understood when in the times of trials and trouble we find peace that passes all understanding. Being afraid, having concern, and worry are natural responses and common to all man in times of uncertainty. I heard a person speak once that said: “you can not stop initial thoughts from coming to your mind but certainly what you do with them you can”. We have our Heavenly Father walking with us. He has given us great promises of peace even though we are under attack from situations that seem to surround us. At times it appears we are alone in this but in fact we have our great defender, who is all powerful, all knowing, ever present at all times. Peace is found in trusting in, relying on, and clinging to God. Our hope and faith is built on the Creator of all there is. We seek and find peace when it is all laid at His feet and we are carried through in His ever loving arms. We do not know when life will throw us trials and troubles. Keep your eyes, heart and mind on the only one who can and will protect, lead, and give you place of refuge.