Here are some verses to help you …
In time of…
Helplessness -
Philippians 2:13 – for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Dwelling on the past –
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Wanting –
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Loneliness –
Matthew 28:20 – and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Oppression, Trouble –
Psalm 9:9 – The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Fear, Doubt –
Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Melancholy, Apathy –
Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Worry –
1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
It is amazing to me how having changed so much of my thinking by freeing up from my alcoholic and depressed mindsets, how much familiar scriptures now mean…. whereas before, the felt like tired old scriptures.
Today I find them full of meaning and power.
Take for instance, PS 118:24… This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad.
I can’t tell you how many times Christians tried to get me to recite this or recited it to me or smacked me over the head with it when I was in the depths of depression.
I dearly wanted to believe it, but I felt disconnected from it and felt little inspiration from it.
Yet through my journey of recovery, having made a lot of progress in overcoming depression and anxiety, this verse springs to life in the most inspiring way.
And I often now find myself leaning on the verse when dark thoughts try to close in on me.
I say it with a particular emphasis that is meaningful to me….
This IS the day that the Lord has made! I WILL rejoice and be glad.
The “IS” helps me focus on the fact that today is the day. It is now. Here. This moment.
The “WILL” reminds me to round up whatever volution and energy I have and pour it all into directing my will to rejoice and be glad.
I find when I do, an incredible thing happens. It is like God honours me doing my part and acknowledging him. He then takes over and gives me the energy and additional inspiration to keep moving through the day and invariably, something wonderful happens during that day.
It is such an amazing way to live!
The scriptures are so alive! I can barely reate to when I didn’t feel this way.
Thanks for the post.
Ciao
Chaz
By: Chaz on May 5, 2009
at 11:25 pm
Chaz,
I can’t tell you how blessed I am every time I read one of your comments. Your heartfelt responses always encourage me and I’m sure our other readers. God bless you and thanks for your support, Chaz.
Steve
By: Steve on May 7, 2009
at 10:44 pm
No problem, glad to share what has been given to me.
Ciao.
Chaz
By: Chaz on May 8, 2009
at 7:54 am