Canadian doctor William Makis felt the need this morning to assure the world that, despite the severe persecution and legal challenges he is facing, he is in good spirits and is not suicidal. In the United States, Boeing whistleblower John Barnett assured a close friend that he was not suicidal. Now he is dead due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, or so the story goes. What kind of world is this? It would be so easy to give in to despair. Instead, this morning I turned to the Psalms. I remembered my fear and uncertainty in 2008 when I was facing chemotherapy. I knew there would be times when I did not feel well enough to pick up my Bible or would not have the mental clarity to search for particular passages. I prepared for chemo by compiling a list of comforting passages to remind me of truth. Perhaps some of you need that list today.
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. II Corinthians 4:7-10
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? Psalm 27:1
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 41:10
In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. II Timothy 1:7
Surely God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2a
On my bed I remember You, I think of You through the watches of the night. Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You, Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me. Micah 7:7
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
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 1:3-4
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still 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 mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called 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 43:1-3a
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. Romans 8:28
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
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 sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
What kind of world is this? This is my Father’s world. In North Carolina, where I live, spring blooms are bursting forth. In my yard there are yellow forsythias, pink azaleas, yellow and white daffodils. The quince has already finished blooming. Soon the irises and the thornless Lady Banks rose will begin to bloom.
This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
Bless you for sharing these rich words of encouragement! I make digital cards ( I use Canva ) using my favorite verses, and upload them to my digital frame. All day long these verses rotate across the screen and I am reminded of God’s rich and wonderful promises. May God continue to richly bless you!
🙏💟🙏⚔️🙏