Leave it to God

 

“Cast your cares on the Lord.”

Psalm 55:22

To "leave it to God" means to surrender our worries, concerns, and desires to God's care and guidance. It is an act of trust and faith, acknowledging that God is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives. It means letting go of our own efforts to control or manipulate outcomes, and instead relying on God's wisdom and sovereignty. Leaving it to God does not mean passivity or inaction, but rather an active choice to seek God's will and align our actions with His purposes. It is a recognition that God's ways are higher than our ways, and that His timing and ways of working may be different from what we expect or desire. Ultimately, leaving it to God is an invitation for Him to work in our lives, to bring about His perfect will, and to bring us peace and assurance in every circumstance.

~ webebible.us

Be Confident in the Lord

 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid,”

Hebrews 13:6

God wants us to have confidence in life! Not boastful, arrogant pride but an assured knowledge of who we are in Him! Our self-worth should be seen through the eyes of God, our creator. When you need a boost of self-esteem, there is no better place to turn to than the Bible! Scripture is filled with truths and promises that we can place our confidence in.

Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and the love of God. When you feel not good enough or not strong enough, remember who God says you are! Bible verses about having confidence brings you courage and strength through the love of God.

~ BibleStudyTools.com

Overthinking

 “When anxiety was great within me,

your consolation brought joy.”

Psalm 94:19

Mentally, overthinking can lead to anxiety. When individuals continually worry about potential future events or dwell on past mistakes, they can develop generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, and relationships. For instance, someone might overthink an upcoming job presentation, imagining all the ways it could go wrong, which can lead to significant anxiety and avoidance behaviors.

Depression can be linked to overthinking. Ruminating on negative experiences or self-criticism, people can fall into a depressive state. Rumination involves repetitively thinking about the causes, consequences, and symptoms of one’s distress, rather than focusing on solutions. This pattern of thinking can intensify feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, core symptoms of depression. For example, someone who constantly replays a breakup in their mind might begin to feel unworthy of love, leading to deep sadness and withdrawal from social activities.

Psalm 94:19 offers comfort to those who struggle with overthinking and anxiety: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Thankfully, the verse acknowledges the reality of anxiety but also points to the joy and consolation found in God. It reassures believers that they are not alone in their struggles and that God provides solace amidst their worries.

~Bible Tools.com

Nature

 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” - Psalm 96:12

Being out in nature helps me understand the qualities of God in a different way. I see His power, creativity, and the intricacies of the world He created. I slow down and breathe in his glorious creation. I feast my eyes on all the colors in His palette and marvel at His work. I listen to the sounds that surround me: wind, birds, animals, rushing waters, etc. I touch plants, rocks, dirt. It is where I am freely able to marvel at God’s handiwork. By entering nature and taking myself out of my “norm” I can focus my whole being on His creation.

God made the earth for us to enjoy. Nature is a source of beauty, inspiration, rest, and healing. It is a place where we don’t have to look at it from a distance. We can get up close and be a part of it. We can enjoy the diversity of God’s craftsmanship in a powerful way. There is rejuvenating power in God’s playground – the natural world.... time spent in nature is transformative.

- By Susan Little

Contentment

 “For I have I have learned to be content

whatever circumstances.”

Philippians 4:11

According to the Bible, contentment is a state of being satisfied, at peace, and emotionally fulfilled with what one has or the circumstances in which one finds themselves. It is an attitude of the heart and mind that is not dependent on external possessions, wealth, or circumstances. Bible verses about contentment teaches us that it comes from recognizing and being satisfied with God's provision in one's life, whether that provision is material, relational, or spiritual. It involves trusting that God knows what is best and provides for our needs.

Scripture helps us understand that true contentment includes the ability to accept and find peace in one's current circumstances, even if they are challenging. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:11-12, speaks of learning to be content in any situation. Contentment is linked to trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan for one's life. It acknowledges that God is in control and has a purpose for everything, even in difficult times. As we trust God, give thanks in all circumstances, and find freedom from worry and anxiety, we will experience God's presence and peace! 

~ Bible Study Tools.com

Good Listening

 “Everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

James 1:19

“Listen before you answer.”

Proverbs 18:13

According to Bonhoeffer, there are many times when “listening can be a greater service than speaking.” God wants more of the Christian than just our good listening, but not less. There will be days when the most important ministry we do is square our shoulders to some hurting person, uncross our arms, lean forward, make eye contact, and hear their pain all the way to the bottom. Says Dunn,

good listening often defuses the emotions that are a part of the problem being discussed. Sometimes releasing these emotions is all that is needed to solve the problem. The speaker may neither want nor expect us to say anything in response.

One of Dunn’s counsels for cultivating good listening is: “put more emphasis on affirmation than on answers. . . . [M]any times God simply wants to use me as a channel of his affirming love as I listen with compassion and understanding.” Echoes Bonhoeffer, “Often a person can be helped merely by having someone who will listen to him seriously.” At times what our neighbor needs most is for someone else to know.

~ desiringgod.com

Seeking God

 “Look to the Lord and his strength;

seek his face always.”

1 Chronicles 16:11

“No matter how many times you cry out to God for strength He will be there. He hears you every single time. Don’t give up, don’t stop seeking the Lord. Don’t let anything keep you from seeking His face. God will give you the strength you need to get through anything. No matter what you face He is by your side and He will never leave you. If your soul is weary, if you’re going through troubled waters, if you’re facing temptations, whatever trials you are going through pour your heart out to God because He promises not only to give you strength but to be your strength.”

~ the consecratedwoman.com

“Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7

          

The Peace of Christ

 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 

since as members of one body

you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

“Paul tells us to let Christ’s peace be umpire or referee be in our hearts.  Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash - our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love.  How can we deal with constant conflicts and live as God wants?  Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace in our souls.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

Our Need For The Holy Spirit

 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the

Father will send in my name, will teach 

you all things and remind you of everything

I have said to you.”

John 14:26

Almost twenty years ago, I knelt down next to my bed and prayed for more of the Holy Spirit.

I prayed for my ears to hear Him as my friend heard Him. If the Lord had more of Himself to give me, more gifts of the Holy Spirit, despite my fears, I wanted more. I knew people who walked with confidence and power in their faith. I wanted that, and from what I could tell, their confidence came from intimacy with the Spirit of God.

On that day, as I prayed fervently, I felt my ears begin to burn. I’m not sure it was answer to prayer or the intensity in which I prayed. But I knew this, as soon as I said, “Amen!” and got up from my knees, I noticed a direction from a voice within.

“Go get the clothes out of the dryer.”

I was a little disappointed. Was that my thought or God’s?

He Can Organize Your Day

It wasn’t anything grand, but I took that thought as His order, and that’s how I began my walk with the Holy Spirit. I began living a conversation with God, and no matter how trivial the instruction, I followed through (most of the time). I knew He was in the small details of my life as well as the big if I paid attention.

When I began to do this I discovered my day was better organized as I listened for cues and nudges from the divine. (Smile.) Practicing His Presence helped me hear His voice better. Now, I walk with confidence of His leading. But it took daily practice and trust. It took Faith.

We need the Holy Spirit.

The other day, I was reading through my One Year Bible, which is a great way to read the Bible through the year because you read a section of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.  Anyway, on that day I was finishing 2 Corinthians. I loved Paul’s closing. I know I’ve read it before, but this time it really jumped out to me. Not very many scriptures involve all three persons of God.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spiritbe with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14.)

Isn’t it beautiful?

How differently would we walk this journey if we did so fully aware of the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit?

~ wordsbyandylee.com

Fear Not

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Isaiah 41:10 is a great example of the encouragement found within the book of Isaiah. The book of Isaiah is filled with so many countless encouraging verses, which all reflect on the power and love and providence of our Lord God.

In verse 10, there are several layers and parts that stand out to me, and that provide reassurance, hope, strength, and peace:

“Fear not, for I am with you”: God is always with us. He is with you, day and night, no matter what you’re going through. That’s a promise! I love in the first part of verse 10 how we are commanded to “Fear not,” because God is with us. What a promise! What an encouragement! We have no reason to fear, because God is with us.

“Be not dismayed, for I am your God”: Dismay is another word for distress, usually instigated by something unexpected. In Isaiah 41:10, we are encouraged to be not dismayed. Why? “for I am your God”. We serve the Living Christ, Who conquered death for us, so there is no reason to be dismayed. This is something I need to constantly remind myself of, especially when life throws curve balls my way.

“I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you”: God promises to provide us with strength, and with help. When you’re feeling like you can’t go on or you just don’t know how you’re going to get through the day, God will be right with you to provide you with the strength and help you need, to get through whatever you’re facing.

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”: God promises to uphold us. More than that, He promises to uphold us with His righteous right hand. That means, when you lose your footing, He’s going to be there to hold you up, if you’ll trust in Him. What I love about this verse, is that we are told God will uphold us with His righteous right hand. Righteous: Pure, virtuous, upstanding, ethical, honest. Regardless of your circumstances, God is righteous. And He will uphold you with His right hand. His right hand! Throughout scripture, God’s right hand is mentioned several times. Historically, to be put on someone’s right hand is to be held in equal honour. God’s right hand also symbolizes His power and His greatness.

Whatever you’re facing this week, remember Isaiah 41:10 and claim it for yourself!

~ hopereflected.com

 

Waiting Patiently

“Hear my prayer, Lord,

listen to my cry for help.”

Psalm 39:12

Maybe you’re struggling to believe that a brighter day can come for you. You’ve gotten used to feeling down and out, lonely, misunderstood, and heartbroken. But imagine for a minute that things can change for the better. Imagine how your heart would be glad! I invite you into David’s experience, which gives us hope that God hears our cries for help and is willing to meet us at our lowest point. Like David, we can find ourselves in a new day, with a song on our lips and rejoicing in our hearts.  

Pray

God, I want to be joyful. I want to believe that a new and brighter day can dawn for me. Help me believe.

~ Bible.com

God Will Take Of You

 22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22

God loves us with unconditional love, He forgives our transgressions, and He takes care of us. By faith and with prayer, give up your worries, burdens, and fears to God. During trials and temptation, He sustains and strengthens the faithful. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Or as the Message translation says, “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders – he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.”

When burdened, fearful, or overwhelmed do you go in prayer to the Lord who cares for you?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise You for Your compassion and love. Teach us to give You our worries, burdens, and to bask in your calming peace. Help us to understand that You will take care of us and sustain us. As the daylilies new flowers open daily, let us daily to be open in prayer, giving You, Lord our troubles. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

~ gardenfaith.com

God Is Your Strength

 “Look to the Lord and his strength;

seek his face always.”

“No matter how many times you cry out to God for strength He will be there.  He hears you every single time.  Don’t give up, don’t stop seeking the Lord.  Don’t let anything keep you from seeking His face.  God will give you the strength you need to get through anything.  No matter what you face He is by your side and He will never leave you.  If your soul is weary, if you’re going through troubled waters, if you’re facing temptations, whatever trials you are going through pour your heart out to God because his promises not only to give you strength but to be your strength.

~ Anonymous 

Play Often

 “For everything there is a season, 

a time for every activity under heaven…

a time to laugh…a time to dance.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

“So, what qualifies as play - making art, sleeping in, riding a bike, baking cookies, watching movies?  Very simply, play is doing something for the enjoyment of doing it, even if we don’t do it particularly well.  It’s something that doesn’t need to be done.

Whatever else Jesus meant when He urged His disciples to be childlike, perhaps He wanted them to play more.  All the other virtues of childlikeness - trust, wonder, simplicity, humility - arise out of the richness of play.  When we embrace fun, we’re not only more joyful and creative in all we do; we also become radiant reflection of our Creator.”

~ Charles Stanley Ministries

Resting in God

     

 “Come to me, all of who are weary

and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 

Resting in God is a spiritual practice that involves finding peace, strength, and solace in one's relationship with God. It's a way of acknowledging that God can provide support, guidance, and comfort in all aspects of life. Resting in God can also mean a break from confusion, stress, worry, and useless human effort. 

~gotquestions.com

 Resting in God refreshes you spiritually, 

   emotionally, physically and gives you

                  Peace and Joy!!!

Christ’s Strength

 “For I can do everything through Christ

 who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we have the ability to endure trials and hardships when we keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s not about what WE can do, but rather about what GOD can do. When Paul wrote “I can do all things through Christ” he didn’t mean it as a promise that things will go our way. Instead, he wrote this verse to give us hope in the midst of our struggles and trials.

~www.rethinknow.org

Freedom

 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Galatians 5:1

Today, we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which marks July 4, 1776, as the day our Founding Fathers declared our freedom as a nation. What’s interesting is that it wasn’t until 1783 that our nation actually experienced freedom. There were battles raging, but the people were celebrating their decision to fight for freedom. They declared their freedom first, then they stood their ground until they had the victory to live as free men and women. There may be some opposing forces that you’re fighting today, things that you want to get free from—freedom from an addiction, an anxiety, a lack, a fear. No matter what battle you are facing, let this be the day you declare your freedom, because victory is on the way. You may have to stand and press through for a little while, but know that freedom is yours the day you declare it. Let freedom ring loudly in your life and embrace the victory He has in store for you, for he whom the Son sets free is free indeed! ~ Joel Osteen Devotional

Being Patient

        

 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

Psalm 31:7

In the Bible, the word patience can refer to both longsuffering and perseverance. It reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire. What’s more, being patient means accepting whatever God chooses to give (or not to give) and willingly receiving it on His timetable. In the meantime, we should pray and obey as we seek His direction. The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord’s perfect plan and blessing. But when we trust our Father’s will and timing, we will know inner peace.

Remember to carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God.  And always remember to seek God’s way and His timing.

~ In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley

Having Faith

 “You can pray for anything, 

and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

                                   Matthew 21:22

“This verse is a reminder to ask God in faith, which means trusting in God’s power and aligning with God’s will.”

Jesus' statement to the disciples is a powerful promise, and it fits with what He has often said when healing the sick and afflicted and casting out demons (Matthew 9:22; 15:28). God cares deeply that His people trust Him and Him alone to do what they ask. God's power, of course, is limitless. Anything is possible for Him (Luke 1:37). Jesus has made it clear, though, that those who want God to use His power in a specific way must have deep confidence of His ability to do what they ask.

~ Bibleref.com

Count Your Blessings

 “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and

all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

Psalm 103:1

“Psalm 103 is a Psalm of blessing.  David’s praise focused on the good things God was doing for him.  It is easy to complain about your life, but David’s list gives us plenty for which to praise God - He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice.  We receive all of these without deserving any of them.  No matter how difficult your journey, you can always count your blessings - past, present and future.”

~ Life Application Study Bible

Hope, Peace, Joy

 “May the God of Hope bring you

all joy and peace as you trust

in him, so that you may overflow

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Paul makes this request of the God of hope, another beautiful name for God. He is the only lasting source of hope we have for meaning in this life, and for a life beyond death. Paul asks that the God of hope fill these believers with all joy and peace "in believing" or as they trust in Him. In other words, Paul is not asking God to simply dump joy and peace into their hearts without cause. He is asking that as these believers trust in God, their faith will bring joy and peace to their hearts. In other words, help them to keep believing so that they can experience joy and peace. 

Finally, Paul asks that they might have this joy and peace in believing so that they may abound with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul is asking God to give them more than just regular human hopefulness. He is asking for supernatural, Holy Spirit-powered hopefulness. 

What a fantastic prayer to ask God for others or for ourselves. What more could we wish for other believers than to be filled with joy and peace and abounding in hope?

~ Bible Ref

God’s Guidance

 “Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow.  Lead 

me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God that saves me.  All 

day long I put my hope in you.”

“Psalm 25:4-5

“Lead me in your truth and teach me.” So he doesn’t just teach us, like tell us what to do. He leads us. This is the beauty of his Spirit in us. We don’t just have instructions. We have the instructor dwelling in us, leading us, guiding us, directing us. “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.” He’s our savior. He saves us from not just the penalty of sin, he saves us from the power of sin in our lives so that we can walk in his truth, so that we can obey his teaching and follow his leadership as we trust in Him. “For you I wait all the day long,” and the picture of waiting there is just looking to God, trusting in God as our teacher, our leader, and our savior.

~ by David Pratt

Walking With Jesus

 “Therefore as you have received

Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”

Colossians 2:6

“Christianity is enjoying a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  It is interacting with God throughout the course of the day, feeling his presence and power and receiving His strength and guidance. Your spiritual growth is directly related to your walk with God.”

~ Paul Chappell

God Is My Everything

 “Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25-26

“When I say he is my everything I mean: he is the air I breathe. Peace that calms my storms.  Joy of my life. Strength when I am weak. Water when I’m thirsty and bread when hungry.”

~ by January Scott

The Power Of Thinking

 “You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

Did you know that thoughts can actually make you more anxious, happy, fearful, or content? And what you spend time thinking about has the power to affect your emotions, your actions, and ultimately, your character? Your thoughts are some of the most powerful things about you. 

Scripture has a lot to say about our thoughts because God knows the power of our minds. Isaiah 26:3 says that God will keep our hearts in perfect peace if we keep our minds fixed on Him. 

Can you imagine that? Perfect peace. 

The more time we spend focusing our thoughts on God and His Word, the more our hearts will be kept in peace. That is a powerful thought, especially in a world that is constantly looking for peace and unity. 

The starting point for this peace is trusting God. We must come to Him trusting in who He is, and having faith in what He has done for us. We know that God is good and just. So if we have faith in Him, we know that we are accepted and loved by Him. And those who trust in God are given access to Him and His presence.

Perfect peace is available to those who consistently trust in God, and fix their thoughts on Him. 

How many of your thoughts are spent on things relating to God? Do you keep your mind focused on Him when you’re feeling anxious or stressed? What are some simple ways you can continue to remind yourself to think about God throughout your day? 

Spend some time thinking about the power of your own thoughts and the access you’ve been given to God through Scripture. Commit to building the habit of centering your thoughts on God so that you can know Him more and experience His perfect peace.

~ The Bible App

God Protects You

 “For he will order his angels to 

protect you wherever you go.  They will

hold you up in their hands so you won’t 

hurt your foot on a stone.”

Psalms 91:11-12

God has commanded angels to guard you. God has given angels, not your circumstance, not your situation, the authority to act on your behalf.

God is your refuge and strength. He is your protection and he has commanded angels to come to your aid. 

Be encouraged! 

As you pray and read Psalm 91 today, proclaim God’s promise that He will send His angels to guard and protect you – to minister to all your needs.

~thecove.org

God Is Gracious

 “The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

the Lord is good to all;

he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

Psalm 145 is a psalm in which David explicitly gives five distinct characteristics of God, and they all begin with the letter "G."

• God's greatness
• God's goodness
• God's glory
• God's guarantee
• God's grace

All of these G's should give us peace daily and eternal hope.

norwest.nsw.edu.au

Look To The Lord

 “Look to the Lord and his

strength; seek his face always.”

1 Chronicles 16:11

“No matter how many times you cry out to God for strength He will be there. He hears you every single time. Don’t give up, don’t stop seeking the Lord. Don’t let anything keep you from seeking His face. God will give you the strength you need to get through anything. No matter what you face He is by your side and He will never leave you. If your soul is weary, if you’re going through troubled waters, if you’re facing temptations, whatever trials you are going through pour your heart out to God because He promises not only to give you strength but to be your strength.”     

~ the consecratedwoman.com