Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve shared about preparing for the storms of life and some ways to endure those storms when they come. One of the practical ways we can endure and overcome these storms is to utilize God’s word. We can use scriptures for troubling times.
God gives us promises throughout scripture. We can apply these scriptures to our situations and circumstances to give us peace, to build our faith, to encourage us, and sometimes to even turn the situation around. God also tells us to remind Him, or put Him in remembrance, of His Word. When we remind God, we remind ourselves too! (Here’s a great post on the subject by Victoria Osteen.)
“Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.” Isaiah 43:26 (ESV)
In order to remind God, we have to find and know the verses first to be able to use those scriptures for troubling times. It’s helpful to make a list of some go-to verses to access when those times arise. I’ve put together just a few of my personal favorites here.
General scriptures for troubling times:
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 (ESV)
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NIV)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NLT)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 (ESV)
“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:19 (NLT)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name: Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-4 (NKJV)
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
“…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” Exodus 14:14 (AMP)
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)
“There is hope for your future,” says the LORD…” Jeremiah 31:17 (NLT)
“The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
Healing:
“Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains , yet we considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God . But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes Him we are healed and made whole.” Isaiah 53:4-5 (AMP)
“…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Matthew 8:17 (NKJV)
“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness– by Whose stripes you were healed.” I Peter 2:24 (NKJV)
“…they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18 (NKJV)
“…with long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:16 (NKJV)
“…And many followed him, and he healed them all” Matthew 12:15 (ESV)
Finances:
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)
“I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 (NKJV)
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” II Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)
“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:10 (NKJV)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
Marriage:
“But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Mark 10:6-9 (ESV)
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” 1 Peter 3:1-7 (NIV)
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:21-33 (NIV)
Job/Career:
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” Revelation 3:7-8 (NLT)
“Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” Colossians 3:23-25 (NIV)
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Death/Loss of a loved one:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms 34:18 (NLT)
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NLT)
““Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1-3 (NLT)
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
Restoration (of anything lost, destroyed, or stolen):
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)
“But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.” Proverbs 6:31 (NLT)
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25 (ESV)
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10 (NIV)
“I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.” Amos 9:14 (ESV)
“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.” Deuteronomy 30:3 (MSG)
Protection:
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:1-16 (NIV)
“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.” Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” Psalm 27:1 (NLT)
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:1-8 (NIV)
Take Some Practical Steps to Use Scriptures for Troubling Times:
- First, find some of your own favorite scriptures for troubling times that you can use during the storms of life. Look for verses that seem to your situation. To find your scriptures for troubling times:
- Use some of the verses I’ve listed above (consider printing, bookmarking, or pinning this page).
- Look in your bible concordance in the back of your bible by looking up a word or topic. For example you can search topics like healing, money, marriage, children, peace, faith, sadness, etc.
- Do a word/topic search in a bible app or in an online bible (bible.com, biblehub.com, biblegateway.com, etc.).
- Google “scriptures about…” and find some verses by subject/topic.
- Ask friends for recommendations of verses that have helped them.
- Get a book containing verses by topic. Two books that I have and use are God’s Promises for Your Every Need and God’s Wisdom For Your Every Need .
- Then, write them on index cards and post them around the house when you’re going through a difficult time. For example put them on the bathroom mirror, the nightstand, on doors, over light switches, on cabinet doors, on your car console, and so on.
- Finally, speak the scriptures out loud and remind God (and yourself) of His promises. This will encourage you, build your faith, give you peace, and help you endure these times of trouble.
What are some of your favorite scriptures for troubling times? How have they helped you? Share with us by leaving a comment below!
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There’s an old hymn that says, “In times like these, you need a Savior, in times like these, you need an anchor. Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.”
And indeed, there are very few faithful Catholics who are not astonished and dismayed at the rapidity of decline into confusion (sexual and otherwise) of a culture we once described as Judeo-Christian. Whatever our sectarian differences of the past (and honestly they were significant and embarrassingly many), there was at least a basic agreement on the fundamentals of biblical morality and the authority of the Word of God. Most of this is gone—and it has gone quickly.
The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday was unfortunate but not surprising. Yet still the rapidity of what even five years ago would have appeared unlikely, bewilders and feels like whiplash. Make no mistake, in my words to follow I am not singling out people with a same-sex attraction. No, the situation is much broader than that. Those of us left holding to tradition and to some sense that maybe God and 5,000 years of recorded history should be respected in any number of areas, have suddenly become “outdated,” “hopelessly out-of-touch,” and even worse, “hateful, bigoted, homophobic, and just plain mean!” And all this because we have not snapped-to with the “new morality.”
Yes, in times like these …
The early Church certainly experienced a similar struggle. As the Gospel left the relatively sane but religiously hostile world of Judaism, it encountered the pagan world, not religiously hostile but morally confused by corrupting sexual practices and entertainment marked by violence and destruction to the human person. Sound familiar?
There is one difference, noted by C.S. Lewis in his Latin Letters (1948-53). The difference is that ancient Greece and Europe were a virgin awaiting her husband. The modern West is an angry divorcée. And this makes our task even more difficult as we seek to re-propose the Gospel to a cynical world that responds, “Been there, done that, and filed the annulment papers.”
Nevertheless, we have much to learn from the early Church, which experienced similar decadence and confusion. Perhaps a survey of some texts that both describe the situation and offer advice may be helpful. With that in mind, permit these quotes, which both describe an all-too-familiar scene and also offer advice about what to do in the midst of confusion and storm.
A warning and disclaimer: these texts from God’s Word do not mince words. They are a tough assessment of a world at odds with God. We live in dainty times and don’t like strong and clear descriptions. We prefer euphemisms and pleasantries. But the world of the New Testament, to include Jesus Himself, spoke boldly, plainly, and without “political correctness.” Do not expect these passages to speak with the softness of modern times. They are a tough assessment of what is really going on.
That said, these texts do not mean that everyone who opposes Church teaching has all of these qualities. Texts like these speak to the collective qualities of the fallen world governed by a fallen angel. Further, since we all have fallen natures, we ought not assume a mere “us vs. them” scenario. For we who strive to come out of the world and not be of it, do this imperfectly and in stages.
Therefore take texts like these as a sober description of a fallen world governed by a fallen angel, addressed to believers with fallen natures, who need to be vividly reminded of this, summoned to courage, and to a love that speaks the truth in love.
Let’s begin first with texts that describe the situation:
- Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father (Gal 1:3-5). The age then (and now) is described simply as an “evil age,” for this world is at odds with God and what He teaches. This has been more or less obvious over the centuries, but Jesus Himself warns that the most consistent experience of His followers will be persecution and hatred from “the world” (cf John 15).
- And you were once dead in the trespasses and sins in which you walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind (Eph 2:1-3). Thus the unrepentant are described as following the prince of this world (Satan), being in disobedience, living in the passions of the flesh, and destined for wrath. These are tragic truths for many unless they repent, and for us if we turn away from the faith.
- And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor 4:3-5). Here, too, the confused of this age are described as being blinded and deceived by the “god” of this age and time. This is a prophetic description of the world in which we live. Do not excessively admire the wisdom or thoughts of this age. Science has accomplished much, but knowledge is not on par with wisdom, and wisdom is what this world lacks. Knowledge without wisdom is like a car without a key, or a life without a known purpose.
- For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:3-5). Sound familiar? Adultery, premarital sex, cohabitation, promiscuity, homosexual acts, and the acceptance and even celebration of all these disordered actions. Add to this our modern struggles with addiction and all forms of excess. And let anyone, like the Church, say that there should be limits and then just listen to the outraged cry: “Intolerant, bigoted, homophobic, uptight, hateful!” Yes, many are astonished that we do not simply join in their celebration of all sorts of illicit sexual union, debauchery, and greed. But see what the text says: we do not owe them assent; it is the unrepentant disobedient who will have to render an account to Him who will be their Judge.
- But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh (Jude 1:17-23). In other words, do not be dismayed. These are unpleasant times, but not unexpected. For our part, we must not be fascinated, enamored, or discouraged. Simply and clearly draw back from this confusion and see it for what it is: ungodly, confused, worldly, and devoid of the Spirit. Have nothing to do with it.
- But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, … (1 Tim 4:1-2) Notice again: lies, deceits, fallen, demonic notions, and seared consciences.
- But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of great trouble. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power … so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith … But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3:1-8; 14-15). Yikes! All too familiar. And let’s be clear that there are more problems today than just sex. Greed, consumerism, excess, the arrogance of our science, the thought that we know better than the ancients, the demand for comfort, and the insistence on flattering our arrogant egos are all common problems in the world. We who would believe and seek to come out of this world must examine our lives and repent of drives and actions like these.
- The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge in the lust and defiling passion and despise authority. Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme … blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant … reveling in their deceptions … They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray … For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter various verses). Yes, the hatred of the truth, the blaspheming, and the contempt for sacred doctrine are nothing new. But they are now more arrogantly on display than ever before, and the capacity to deceive multitudes is as never before.
Here then were many descriptions of what is only too familiar today. Sadly, though, it has returned on our watch and we need to take responsibility for the situation. We, as the Lord’s witnesses, are supposed to be prophets to this world. If things have declined—and they have—it happened on our watch! As a Church, we have not been as clear as we should be; we have made compromises and been intimidated into silence. Parents, too, have been laregely passive. And we have collectively and too easily tolerated contraception, promiscuity, cohabitation, divorce, single motherhood (absent fatherhood), and all sorts of confusion about life, marriage, and family.
What then are we to do? Here, too, Scripture speaks to witnessing to a dubious, resistant, and rebellious age. Consider some of these quotes:
- For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Cor 1:19-21). Preach with confidence, and when ridiculed, remember that the Wisdom of God is unfathomable to the world, but the thoughts of this age are foolishness to God. Do not be impressed or fearful at the foolishness that parades as enlightenment and tolerance. It will neither last nor emerge victorious. God and His wisdom will out!
- Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory (1 Cor 2:6-7). Notice that the rulers of this world are passing away but the word of the Lord remains forever. Do not lose heart!
- Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:15-17). Stay in conformity with God’s will no matter how much the world scoffs.
- Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Col 4:5-6). Be gracious but clear. Give answers to doubters, with kindness but also with clarity! Do not hide; do not fail to answer.
- Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame (1 Peter 3:15-16). Never, never, never defile the faith by bad conduct or inconsistency. And permit the joy of the Gospel to permeate your life such that people will notice and ask you for the reason. Not everyone in this world is so jaded that he will not respond to joy and the message of the truth.
- Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside (2 Tim 4:2-4). Never give up. Preach and teach even if people scoff, walk out, write the bishop, or threaten. Preach, preach, preach, even if your own children scoff or manifest confusion and error. Many today will resist and quote “authorities” to seek to refute you. Just keep preaching. Stay anchored in the Scriptures and the Catechism. Read the Fathers and do not succumb to trendy revisions of the Word of God.
Well, let this be advice for difficult days. In times like these we need a Savior. And, thankfully, the Lord Jesus is still here. He himself was scoffed at, ridiculed, called a threat, and finally crucified outside the city gates. Let us be willing to go out and die with Him if necessary, out of love for this confused culture and the many who have been deceived.
blog.adw.org
About the Book:
In this daily devotional, Kathy Howard combines Scripture reading, insightful commentary, personal reflection, and Scripture memory to help women draw closer to God and experience his help in the midst of life’s trials.
”In this world you will have trouble.” Jesus said it and our life experiences prove it. From financial need and illness to loss and broken relationships, every Christian woman encounters difficulties. Most believe God can help, but many don’t know where to go in t
About the Book:
In this daily devotional, Kathy Howard combines Scripture reading, insightful commentary, personal reflection, and Scripture memory to help women draw closer to God and experience his help in the midst of life’s trials.
”In this world you will have trouble.” Jesus said it and our life experiences prove it. From financial need and illness to loss and broken relationships, every Christian woman encounters difficulties. Most believe God can help, but many don’t know where to go in the Bible to find the comfort, peace, and guidance he longs to give. God Is My Refuge provides the direction Christian women need to discover, understand, and apply the ”ever-present help” that only God can give.
Each devotional includes five components to guide readers through a well-rounded time with God. Through these components readers will have the opportunity to hear from God through the Bible, understand biblical truths, apply these truths to their lives, respond to God in prayer, and equip themselves through Scripture memory.
About the Author:
KATHY HOWARD has been teaching the Bible for over twenty years to a variety of audiences. She has a Masters in Christian Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary. Kathy helps women live an unshakeable faith through her Bible teaching and writing. She encourages them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter life’s circumstances. Raised in Louisiana, she and her engineer husband have moved around the U.S. and Canada.
My Review:
We all need to turn to god through life’s many trials but sometimes it is so difficult and overwhelming that it is just so hard to start a search in the middle of it all. But Kathy Howard’s new book God is My Refuge is the perfect 12 week devotional, for times just like that. Each daily devotional contain five components in which to base your daily reading and I have listed them below:
Bible Reading scripture reading for the day
Memory Verse one of the many verses the author says would be beneficial if we memorized them
Reflect&Apply points to ponder and think through or maybe questions to ask ourselves
Prayer Prompt Say a prayer or write one
Memory Minute some ideas to go over, scripture to realize and plan to put into action
Each daily reading is simple, short and to the point and is there to help us enrich our lives and give us some hope to cling to. Kathy is just trying to get us to focus on the prize when times get hard. We need to remember that God is there to carry us when we can no longer walk or run or even cry. We as mothers feel that we fail daily but thanks to Kathy Howard and other encouraging women out there that are willing to remind us to stay diligent in the Lord we can overcome any obstacle that is set before us. Because the God that is running the show is on our side and He will never leave us especially during the hard times.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me at no charge for my honest review by ACU and Leafwood Publishers
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