When I need wisdom. I really claimed this verse in raising my children and continually in situations now in my life.
James 1:5. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given to him.”
When I need courage.
Phil 4:13. “I can do all things in me who strengthens me.”
When depressed. To me comforting to know that David went through the same emotions that we sometimes to do.
Psalms 42. The whole Psalm is good and the answer is in verses 5 and 11. Helps me to remember in those times that I did have times of praising the Lord and I will again. Good to remember when things seem “hope-less” – no hope in any of the circumstances, BUT there is hope in God.
Verse 5 & Verse 11 “Why are you cast down, O mu soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”
Psalms 131. I love to read this Psalm at times when I am down and don’t feel able or strong enough to DO anything let alone serve the Lord with power and enthusiasm. To know that David also felt this way at times. That it is OK to rest in the arms of God and restore your soul and energy.
“Oh Lord my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I do have calmed and quieted my soul like a child quieted at it’s mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord, from this time forth and evermore.”
When anxious about the future.
Jer 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Matt 6:34. “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Love one day at a time.”
To give to a friend who has lost a Christian loved one in death.
Psalm 116:15. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Rev 14:13. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed [says the Sprit] that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
For a friend praying hard for a desire to be granted.
Psalm 20:4,5. “May he grant you your heart’s desire, fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!”
For someone who says hurtful things and then says, “I didn’t mean it”.
Matt 12:34. “You brood of vipers. How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
For someone who says hurtful things and then says, “I was only kidding”.
Pro 26:18,19 “Like a madman who throws fireballs, arrows and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking.’”
For a friend in need of healing.
Jer 30:17a “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord.”
Isa 38:16b “…Oh restore me to health and make me live!”
3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul.”
When feeling alone and in need of protection. This is especially comforting if you or your husband are going on a trip and leaving family at home. To know that God is not only going ahead of you preparing your way, but will be at home caring for those behind.
Isa 52:12 “For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be at your rear guard.”
(I don’t take this that we are not to fly on airplanes but not to rush out helter skelter, but in calmness knowing that the Lord is in control.)
Psalm 32:10 “Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love SURROUNDS him who trusts in the Lord.”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Why not to break even minor laws or go above the speed limit.
Pro 28:9 “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”
When in financial difficulties.
2 Cor 9:8 “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.”
Pro 10:3a “The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry…”
1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.”
When lonely.
Psalm 25:16-18 “Turn thou to me, and be gracious to me; for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins.”
If ever sued by unrighteous person and brought to court.
Psalm 37: 32-33 “The wicked watches the righteous and seeks to slay him. The Lord will not abandon him to his power, or let him be condemed when he is brought to trial.”
When I am weary.
Jer 31:25 “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”
When I see friends I have introduced become fast friends and rather forget me. Or see people I have brought to the Lord zoom far ahead of me – or even my children. To know that there is a place for me – at the entrance of friendship, or to the Christina life – and to be the introducer and doorkeeper to all this is just fine.
Psalm 84:10 “For a day in thy court is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.”
When afraid of speaking to someone or a situation when you don’t know what to say or how to say it.
Mark 13:11 “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say; but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”
For our children who are becoming friends with people with bad morals, even under the thought of bringing them to the Lord.
1 Cor 15:33 “Do not be deceived, ‘Bad company ruins good morals’.”
When frightened or going into an unknown situation.
Isa 41: 10, 13 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
When I don’t want to forgive someone.
Matt 6:15 “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.”
Col 3:13 “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
When I don’t want to discipline or am fearful to discipline my children.
Heb 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
When I have been embarrassed, humbled or pride hurt.
Matt 23:13 “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Pro 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
When I am overflowing with praise.
Psalm 150
When I feel everything is going too well and something bad will surely happen. To know that I am to be content not only when the bad things happen, but also to enjoy good times fully and be content in those too.
Phil 4: 11-12 “Not that I complain of want for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.”
My banking verse.
Psalm 50: 14-15 “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and (then) call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
To me this says to deposit our love, faith and trust during “everyday” times, and the we will have a supply to help us in a crisis. The THEN is my addition and makes the verse come alive for me.