I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.—Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
Fear can be the basis of selfishness. When you feel threatened, do you turn inward and hold on tightly to what you have? Instead of recoiling against the world, turn to God. See the value in reaching out to others. Be brave and kind.
Mighty God, no matter what I face, I know that nothing is impossible with You at my side.
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And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that 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 Kings 6:17 (NIV)
When you need to get the big picture or the truth about a given situation ask God to open your eyes to what is happening—and to guide you to the right decision or in the right direction. Trust that He can transform your confusion into clarity, your fear into opportunity.
Lord, when I don’t know what to do, open my eyes so that I may see.
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
When Jesus told His followers to pray “Forgive us our sins” he was addressing our need for cleansing ourselves from guilt and the negative feelings that happen when we know we’ve done something wrong. If you are holding onto your misdeeds, pray for God’s forgiveness and then forgive yourself.
Heavenly Father, when I confess my transgressions You graciously provide me with the peace of forgiveness.
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Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.—Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Lord God, I have no idea what you have in store for me, but I am excited. The future awaits!
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He has made everything beautiful in its time.—Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)
Dear God, I know you will never desert me. I surrender my troubles to You knowing that You will take care of me.
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And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.—1 John 2:17 (ESV)
Where do you place your worth? Does your confidence and happiness shift with the amount in your bank account or your latest accomplishment? When you shape your identity by doing God’s will, you’ll discover a new peace—and recognize the value in dedicating yourself to doing God’s work.
Lord, when I get confused or distracted by worldly goods turn my focus to what is most important—my relationship with You.
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See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.—REVELATION 3:8 (NIV)
The next time you feel frustrated or trapped by a situation turn to this verse. God always has an open door, a way, an entrance to a better way of thinking or experiencing what you are going through. Don’t despair, instead turn to prayer.
Merciful Father, lead me to the open door.
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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.—Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
God’s ways are higher than your ways. When a situation is confusing and something has happened that just doesn’t make sense no matter how much you think about it, let it go. Turn it over to God.
Dear Lord, when I feel that I need to figure everything out, remind me that You have it all under control.
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Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it.—Genesis 28:18 (NIV)
In this verse, Jacob set up the stone as a monument to commemorate the blessed place where he was visited by God. Do you have any markers or reminders that help you feel God’s presence? Reflect on your life and recall the many blessings He has given you.
Heavenly Father, I am in awe at the many times You’ve blessed me.
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For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.—Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
God, the Divine Artist, has a beautiful life planned for you. When you offer yourself to God and dedicate yourself to be part of His vision, you will accomplish greater things than you can imagine. Your life becomes His masterpiece.
All-Powerful Creator, create in me an everlasting work of art.
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I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
When you need to feel safe and in God’s presence, repeat the above verse. Close your eyes and imagine Him taking your hand. With His support there is no need to be afraid. He is with you, knowing the unknowns and helping you feel secure. You are safe.
Loving Father, thank You for protecting me, comforting me and guiding me through uncertain times.
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As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”—Romans 9:33 (NIV)
In any given situation, it’s easy to focus on what God should be doing—rather than accept what He is actually doing. If we seek God through our own works we will stumble, but if we faithfully depend on Him we will experience righteousness and salvation.
Our Heavenly Father, I surrender myself into Your hands. Through faith and humble dependence upon You I will not stumble.
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Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
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.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)
Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.—Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.—Psalm 119:30–32 (NIV)
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.—Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?—John 11:25–26 (NIV)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)
