Tuesday, October 2, 2012

God's Promises

No matter what you’re struggling with right now, God has at least one promise to combat it.  Some struggles have numerous promises relating to them.  Fear and anxiety for example.  God says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6); and “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7); and “The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” (Psalms 121:8).  There are many more that relate to fear and anxiety.

Are you struggling with pride?  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18).  The word there for destruction refers to breaking, crushing, or fractures - it’s a picture of the harm you will do to yourself in your pride more than anything.  “Blessed are the poor in spirit [those who are not spiritually arrogant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:3)

Do you struggle with depression?  “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.”  (Psalm 30:5).  “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9).

Any temptation for any sin: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”  (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God’s Word is rich with His promises and the tools to fight the good fight that He has given us.  I am so thankful that He has given us His promises, that we might grip them in our times of stumbling and doubt.  I encourage you, that when you are struggling with something, identify the struggle for what it is as quickly as you can, then find at least one of God’s promises that speaks to that struggle.  Arm yourself, my friend.  

I have shared a few of the verses that help me in my struggles.  If you feel led to share your findings, please do so below, so that we can encourage one another and learn from each other.

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