There are many times in my life when how I feel does not match what the Bible says is true. My emotions and feelings overtake what my mind and heart believes. At those times, one thing I’ve found to be really helpful is to take one bit of Scripture and apply it to that one part of my life where I’m struggling. Often I will study and memorize these Scriptures that apply to my area of struggle. And as I do this, I find that God is faithful to help me in my struggle. Here are some examples that are helpful for me…
When I feel burdened by my sin and unable to approach the holy God … the Bible says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 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.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) Also, “you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him.” Colossians 1:21-23
When I feel weary and too tired to take another step … God says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
When I feel bound by circumstances and fear of man … God promises He is with me. “In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:5-6
When I feel like God’s love is gone …the Bible says, “for I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-29
When I feel like sin has power over me … the Bible says, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:12-14
How about you? What are some verses that encourage you when you are struggling? I’d encourage you to memorize them, carry them on little cards and keep them with you throughout the day. God is faithful and His Word is powerful! When your emotions seem out of control, remember that the God who created emotions is there to help.
[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]
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The Psalm 118:5-6 section about fearing man really helped me. Last night I went out to talk three friends who I had some misunderstandings with and was scared that it would end badly and would lose all my other friends who were there if I did. I read this and felt comforted that God was with me, and was no longer afraid. I went and talked to them and it all worked out well. God was surely with me.