Promises to Trust When...
It is by trusting in God’s promises that we overcome the world and its defilements and participate in the divine nature.
1 John 5:4 This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
2 Peter 1:4 he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Success in the Christian life comes through trusting God’s promises. But which promise for which circumstance? The following list is nowhere close to comprehensive, but it does offer some suggestions for which promises go with which circumstances.
The following is a list of virtues (bold) and sins/challenges/struggles (normal). Why not pick one of each at the beginning of each day – a struggle you anticipate and a virtue that may be particularly important today – and select one of the promises for each of those items to lean on that today?
Anger over unfulfilled/blocked desire
Ps.63:3 Your love is better than life
Isa.55:2 Why spend money on what is not food and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fair.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Ps.37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
Anger over God’s name being dishonored
Isa.46:10 I will be great among the nations. From the rising to the setting of the sun in every place incense and pure offerings will be made to my name, for my name will be great among the nations.
Anxiety/Worry
Mt.6:25-34 “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? 26 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? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Mt.6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Php.4:4-7 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Bible Reading
Ps.19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Pr.6:21-24 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, 24 keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
Isa.55:10-12 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
2 Tim.3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 Chrn.28:9b Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Jer.29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Mt.7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Jas.4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you
Boredom
Ps.89:15 Happy are those who know the joyful shout; LORD, they walk in the light of Your presence. 16 They rejoice in Your name all day long, and they exult in Your righteousness.
Ps.16:11 You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Ps.36:7,8 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Comfort
Php.2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Complaining
Isa.55:2 Why spend money on what is not food and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fair.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Contentment in God’s nearness
Ps.16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Ps.63:3 Your love is better than life
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Isa.55:2 Why spend money on what is not food and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fair.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Ps.37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
Ps.73:27-28 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you
Ps.10:17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you strengthen their heart, and you listen attentively.
Ps.91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Ps.36:8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Courage
Heb.11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Desire for earthly things above God
Ps.63:3 Your love is better than life
Ps.37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
Isa.55:2 Why spend money on what is not food and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fair.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Discouragement in Suffering
1 Peter 4:13 rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Desire for God
Ps.89:15 Happy are those who know the joyful shout; LORD, they walk in the light of Your presence. 16 They rejoice in Your name all day long, and they exult in Your righteousness.
Ps.16:11 You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Ps.36:7,8 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Discontent (See Contentment)
Depression (See Despair/Losing heart)
Despair/Losing heart
Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the deepest darkness I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Ps.3:3 But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
2 Cor.4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Gal.6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up
Joel 2:25 I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten
Lk.18:28-30 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”
2 Chrn.25:9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The LORD can give you much more than that.”
Discouragement over sin
1Jn.2:1,12 If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake
Ro.8:34 Christ Jesus, who died– more than that, who was raised to life– is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
1Cor.1:8-9 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Heb 4:14-16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Isa.55:6-9 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Ps.32:5-7 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. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Isa.57:15-19 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. 16 I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me– the breath of man that I have created. 17 I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, 19 creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
Zeph.3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Heb.12:5-6 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
Encouragement
Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the deepest darkness I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Ps.3:3 But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
Php.2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
2 Cor.4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Escape from Temptation (see Temptation)
Eternal perspective
Isaiah 65:17-19 “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Heb.6:18-20 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
1 John 3:2-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
Evangelism/missions
Lk.16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Pr.24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. 12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
Fear of Circumstances
Ps.121:7-8 The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Ps.34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Luke 21:16-18 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.
Fear of man
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you
Ps.10:17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you strengthen their heart, and you listen attentively.
Forgiving others
Mt.6:14 if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Generosity
Lk.6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Greed/Stinginess
Lk.6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Guidance
Isa.30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Ps.23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Jer.16:21 “Therefore I will teach them– this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the LORD
Isa.58:9b-11 If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Honor
1 Sam.2:30 Those who honor me I will honor
Ps.34:5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Ro.2:7-10 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Joy in Suffering (See Suffering)
Justice
NOTE: Some have said, “Never ask God for justice, because we all deserve hell.” It is true that we all deserve hell, but it is wrong to conclude that we should therefore not seek justice from God! God does not mix accounts. The issue of what you deserve for some sin is separate from whether you are being treated unfairly by some person, and Scripture very often calls us to seek justice from God when we are being oppressed or mistreated. The point is not so much to desire the punishment of our oppressors, but rather for God to make things right and repay us in some way for what was taken from us.
Ps.37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Ps.9:7-9 The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. 9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed
Ps.11:7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face.
Ps.33:5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Ps.36:6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.
Ps.72:2 He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.
Ps.103:6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Laziness
Eph.6:7-8 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Gal.6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up
Mt.16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Loneliness
John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you
Ps.10:17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you strengthen their heart, and you listen attentively.
Losing heart/Despair
Ps.23:4 Even though I walk through the deepest darkness I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Ps.3:3 But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
2 Cor.4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Gal.6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up
Loss (See Discouragement over loss)
Love for people
Lk.6:35 Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Pr.19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Mt.25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
Low desire for God
Ps.89:15 Happy are those who know the joyful shout; LORD, they walk in the light of Your presence. 16 They rejoice in Your name all day long, and they exult in Your righteousness.
Ps.16:11 You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Ps.36:7,8 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
1 Chrn.28:9b Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Jer.29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Mt.7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Jas.4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you
Lust (See temptation)
Motivation
Eph.6:7-8 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Gal.6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up
Mt.16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Optimism (obedience is within my reach!)
Isa.45:19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Ps.103:13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Zeph.3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Ez.11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Eph.2:18 through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
1Cor.1:8-9 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Ps.25:14 The Lord confides in those who fear Him. He makes his covenant known to them.
Overwhelmed by circumstances
Ps.121:7-8 The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Ps.8:4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Isa.46:4 I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Peace in your heart
Zeph.3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Ps.36:7,8 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Php.4:4-7 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Persecution
Mt.5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Pessimism (obedience will be too hard)
Isa.45:19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Ps.103:13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Zeph.3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Ez.11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Eph.2:18 through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
1Cor.1:8-9 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Ps.25:14 The Lord confides in those who fear Him. He makes his covenant known to them.
Prayer
1 Chrn.28:9b Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Jer.29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Mt.7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Jas.4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you
Protection
Ps.121:7-8 The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Ps.34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Luke 21:16-18 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.
Refuge
Ps.91:2-4 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Ps.46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Ps.59:16 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.
Ps.2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Ps.5:11 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.
Ps.9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Ps.14:6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.
Ps.17:7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Ps.18:2 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.
30 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.
Ps.31:19 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.
Ps.34:22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Ps.36:7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Ps.71:3 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.
Ps.118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
Ps.119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Ps.142:4 Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. 5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”
Rest (see also strengthening)
Ps.23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
Ps.91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Restoration
Pr.24:16 though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.
Hosea 6:1-3 “Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. 3 Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Micah 7:8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 9 Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness
Ro.11:29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
Jer.15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.
Isa.55:6-9 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Ps.32:5-7 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. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
Isa.57:15-19 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. 16 I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me– the breath of man that I have created. 17 I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, 19 creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
Ps.23:3 He restores my soul.
Ps.19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
Success
Pr.15:19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
Suffering
1 Peter 4:13 rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Jas.1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work that you may become mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Strengthening
Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Isaiah 45:5 I will strengthen you
Ps.18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
Ps.18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Ps.28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Ps.28:8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one
Ps.29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Ps.46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Ps.59:9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress,
Ps.59:16 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.
Ps.68:35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Ps.73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 41:10 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.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who wait for 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.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for 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.
Isa 46:4 I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Suffering (Discouragement)
1 Peter 4:13 rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Job 23:10 He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me I will come forth as gold.
Ro.8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
Temporal perspective
Isaiah 65:17-19 “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Heb.6:18-20 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
1 John 3:2-3 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
Temptation
Ps.63:3 Your love is better than life
Isa.55:2 Why spend money on what is not food and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fair.
Ps.63:5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
Ps.37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
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.
Heb.11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Ps.36:8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
2 Sam.12:8b . I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more
Trust for needs
Mt.6:25-34 “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? 26 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? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Mt.6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Trust in God’s faithfulness
Isaiah 37:32 For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Turmoil in your heart
Zeph.3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Ps.36:7,8 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Vitality/health (spiritual)
Jer.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.
Ps.1:3 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Isaiah 58:9-11 “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Weakness
Isaiah 45:5 I will strengthen you
Ps.18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
Ps.18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Ps.28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Ps.28:8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one
Ps.29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Ps.46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Ps.59:9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress,
Ps.59:16 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.
Ps.68:35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
Ps.73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength
Isaiah 41:10 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.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who wait for 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.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for 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.
Isa 46:4 I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Worry/Anxiety
Mt.6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Php.4:4-7 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.