100 FACTS ABOUT ENDURING YOUR TRIALS OF FAITH

By Mark A. Fox
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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Forever Free Ministries * P.O. Box 785 * Lake Dallas, TX 75065

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1. God has lessons to teach us. – Phil. 4:10-13; Hebrews 12:3-11

2. Everyone goes through trials. – 1 Peter 5:10; 4:12; John 16:33; Acts 14:22
3. Everyone has a cross to carry. – Luke 14:27; 9:23-24
4. If you are not going through a trial right now, you will. – Hebrews 12:3-11; John 16:33; 2 Tim. 3:12; John 15:1-7
5. Don’t be surprised that you go through trials. – 1 Peter 4:12; John 15:18-21
6. Expect many trials during your life. – Psalms 34:19
7. Following Jesus may cause intense trials. – 2 Tim. 3:12; Rev.
12:17; Matthew 5:9; 10:16-26; Rev.12:10; 1 Peter 4:18;
Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:1; 5:10
8. The way people mistreat you can be a trial of faith. – John
15:18-21; Psalms 17:8-9; 59:1-2; 31:13
9. Some trials may last many years and even a lifetime. – Moses.
; 2 Cor. 12:8-10
10. All our trials in this life are temporary. – 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Rom.
8:18; James 1:12
11. God wants to train us to have endurance and perseverance
amidst trials. – Hebrews 12:3-11; Matthew 24:13; Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 12:1-4; Colossians 1:11; Romans
12:12; Hebrews 10:36; James 1:2-3; 1 Cor. 10:13-14; Romans 15:5
12. All believers in Christ shall receive the reward of Heaven. You cannot compare our sufferings with the bliss of
eternity in heaven. – James 1:12; 1 Cor. 2:9; Romans 6:23; 2 Cor. 4:17; Rom. 8:18
13. All our tears are recorded by God who sees everything. – Psalms 56:8
14. God feels our pain and suffering. – Isaiah 63:9,13; John 11:35
15. God has a Divine eternal purpose for allow trials. – 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 4:19; Hebrews 2:10;
James 5:11
16. God loves us and uses trials to discipline us. – Hebrews 12:3-11
17. God works trials for our good. – Romans 8:28; Isaiah 38:17;
Hebrews 12:3-11; James 5:11
18. Trails may seem unbearable, but God will carry us through
them all. – Isaiah 43:2; Psalms 61:1-3
19. Focus on Jesus especially during trials. – Hebrews 12:1-4
20. Feelings are unreliable especially during trials. – 2 Cor. 5:7;
Prov. 3:5-6; Jer. 17:9-10; Psalms 42:11
21. You may feel that God has forsaken you, but it is not true. –
Psalms 77:1-20; 23:1-6; 121:1-8; Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10; 42:16
22. You may feel depressed & distressed at times, but God has not changed. – Isaiah 50:10; Psalms 42:1-11; Psalms
18:6
23. Sing songs of praise to God. – Ephesians 5:19-20
24. Do not complain or blame God for anything, instead give thanks. – 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Phil. 2:14
25. We must guard against self-pity. – 1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 4:13; 1 Thess. 5:18; Phil. 2:14
26. Claim Bible promises. – 2 Peter 1:3-4
27. God is teaching you to have patience – to wait upon Him. –
Psalms 27:14; Hebrews 10:23-30; Rom. 5:3-4; 12:12; James
5:11; 1:12
28. God is purifying your heart. – John 15:1-7; 1 John 3:3; 1 Peter
1:7; James 1:1-3; Job 23:10; Matthew 5:8
29. Trials are a special time to search our hearts. – Psalms 139:23-
24
30. God wants us to seek Him with all of our heart. – Jeremiah
29:12-13
31. God has plans for our life and it includes trials as God sees best
for our good. – Jer. 29:11; John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:18
32. You must not make your trials worse by neglecting Jesus. – Matthew 26:40-41; Mark 4:35-41
33. Trials that are self- inflicted are sometimes the hardest to bear, but remember God forgives. – 1 Peter 3:17
34. Cherishing love in your heart for others can make the trails easier to bear. – John 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 13:1-8
35. God uses trials to teach us to have empathy for others in their sufferings.
36. Sometimes trials come in clusters with several trials at once. – Job 1; James 5:11
37. Your trials can become your testimony. – Rev. 12:11; Psalms 40:1-3; 2 Cor. 4:8-12; 12:8-10; Psalms 34:1-22
38. Trials are a special time to humble ourselves before God and others. – 1 Peter 5:6-7; James 4:10; 2 Chron. 7:14
39. Trials teach us to pray more fervently. – Matthew 26:41;
Hebrews 5:7-9
40. During trials we must do our part to cooperate with God for
deliverance. – Isaiah 38
41. Trials can give us a spiritual awakening and revival. – Psalms
119
42. Trials can dramatically increase our faith as we learn to trust
God in dark times. – Psalms 61:1-3; 34:19
43. God uses trials to help us to develop a holy character like Him.
– Romans 5:3-5
44. God’s grace is sufficient for every trial. – 2 Cor. 12:8-10; 1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 4:13; Isaiah 43:2
45. The devil wants to shake our faith, but Jesus is praying for us. – Luke 22:31; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25
46. Taking care of our health can help us in times of trials. – 3 John 2; Ex. 15:26; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom.12:1
47. Having a faithful prayer partner is a blessing during trials. – Matthew 18:19-20; James 5:14-16
48. Christian fellowship is encouraging during trials. – Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20
49. You will never suffer to the extent Jesus did in His trials. – Hebrews 12:3-4; Isaiah 53; Matthew 27
50. God uses trials to prepare us for greater trials. – Jer. 12:5;
Romans 5:3-4; 1 Peter 1:7
51. We must prepare for the tribulation by growing closer to
Jesus each day. - Psalms 91; Rev. 7:1-3; Dan. 12:1,10
52. Remembering how God has helped you in the past will
strengthen your heart in trials. – Deut. 8:2; 7:19
53. Keep a prayer journal to keep a fresh record of answers to
prayers. – Psalms 66:18-19
54. Combining fasting with fervent prayer will help in times of
trials. – Matthew 17:20-21; Daniel 9:3-5; Psalms 69:10;
Neh. 1:4; Psalms 35:13-14; Esther 4:16
55. God always gives us the help we need just when we need it most. – Eccl. 3:1; Psalms 46:1-4
56. Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalms 30:5
57. Life is unfair but God is good. – John 16:33; Lamentations 3:22-25; Exodus 34:6; Psalms 25:8; Ezra 3:11; 1 Chron.
16:34; James 1:17; Matthew 7:11; Psalms 27:13; 145:5-7; 23:6; 145:5-7; 33:5; 34:8; 100:4-5; 107:8-9; Nahum
1:7; Psalms 31:19-20
58. God measures every trial before we go through them. – Job 1; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 12:8-10; James 5:11
59. Do not compromise with sin or the world in times of trials. – Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Cor. 6:16-17
60. Beware of lies of the evil one during times of trials. – John 8:44; James 4:7
61. Do not be envious of the wicked during times of trials. – Psalms 37
62. Do not cherish bitterness and revenge toward those who are causing your trials. – 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Thess. 5:15;
Hebrews 10:30; Lev. 19:18; Mark 11:25; Prov. 20:22; 24:29; Romans 12:17-21; Matthew 18:21-22; 5:38-39; Luke
6:27-28; Eph. 4:311-32; 1 Peter 2:21-23; Matthew 5:40-45
63. Beware how the enemy of your soul distracts you from prayer and Bible study during your trials. –
64. Do not use trials as an excuse to sin. – Luke 9:62; Prov. 4:23; 1 John 1:7-9; Proverbs 28:13
65. God will take care of you. – 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30;
Psalms 121:1-8
66. It is always better to suffer trials with Jesus than without Him.
– Isaiah 48:22; John 16:33; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 13:5-
6; 1 Peter 4:18; Rom. 8:18; Matthew 16:24; John 10:28-29
67. Forget the things behind and press on. – Phil. 3:13-14; 1 John
3:1-3
68. Do not tell all your troubles to people but pour out your heart
to God. – Psalms 62:8
69. Never give up. – Hebrews 10:35; Gal. 6:9; Luke 18:1-8
70. Trials do not separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:35-39; Isaiah 54:10; Jer. 31:3
71. Trials are God’s way of testing and growing our faith. – James 1:1-4
72. Trials reveal if our roots are deep enough in God. – Mark 4:17
73. God comforts us in our affliction. – 2 Cor. 1:3-4
74. Enduring trials patiently glorifies God. – 1 Peter 4:16; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 14:7; Matthew 5:16
75. God gives us renewed strength one day at a time. – Deut. 33:25; Matthew 6:34
76. Give all your burdens to Jesus in prayer. – Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 62:8; Psalms 55:22; Matthew 11:28-30
77. Helping others in their trials will help you endure your own trials. – Gal. 6:2; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Luke 9:23
78. Be careful of exaggerating your trials and thus making them more difficult to handle. – James 1:19; Col. 4:6;
Prov. 15:1; 18:21
79. Do not be afraid during trials of faith. – 2 Tim. 1:7; John 14:27; Hebrews 13:5-6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalms 56:3-4
80. Suffering for Christ brings you into a close identification with Him in his sufferings. – Phil. 3:10; Matthew 16:24
 81. Our faithfulness amidst trials can inspire others to accept Christ. – Colossians 1:24; Rev. 12:11; Psalms 40:1-4
82. We can handle any trials when we know our heart is right with God. – Romans 5:1
83. You can prevail amidst trials knowing that God is for you. – Psalms 56:9; Romans 8:31
84. Those who follow Jesus will have their enemies. – 2 Tim. 3:12; John 16:33; Psalms 56:1-2
85. Rejoice in all your tribulations. - Romans 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:18; John 16:33; Phil. 4:4; Prov. 17:22; Hab. 3:17-19
86. Nothing can pluck us out of the hand of God. – John 10:28-29
87. God does not forget us in our trials. – Isaiah 49:14-15
88. God can give us peace in the storms of trials. – John 14:27; Phil.4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22; Isaiah 25:4; Gal.
5:22; Romans 5:1; Isaiah 26:3; Col. 3:15; Psalms 46:1-2,10
89. God is a God of Comfort. – Matthew 5:4; Romans 15:13; John 14:26; Isaiah 66:13
90. God will carry you when you feel you cannot walk.
Jesus is our True Shepherd. – Isaiah 46:4; 40:11
91. God keeps us as the apple of His eye. – Zechariah
2:8; Psalms 17:8; 1 Peter 3:12
92. God is nearest when we need Him the most. –
James 4:8; Psalms 34
93. Family opposition may be among the greatest trials.
– Matthew 10:34-39
94. Know God is fighting for your family will give you
strength in trials. – Isaiah 49:24-25
95. Knowing God will provide for your needs as He sees
best can give you hope. – Matthew 6:25-34; Phil. 4:19; Psalms 84:11; Matthew 6:33-34
96. Knowing God forgives your sins can give you strength to endure trials. – 1 John 1:9; 2:1; Neh. 9:17; Psalms 86:5;
Isaiah 55:6-8; Matthew 18:21-22
97. Knowing God will give you wisdom in making decision amidst trials will give you peace. – James 1:5-7
98. Knowing God is thinking of you every single minute will give you peace. – Psalms 40:17; 121:1-8
99. Knowing God will speak to you exactly what you need to know each day. – John 10:27; Isaiah 30:21; 50:4

100.Trials are also to teach us total obedience to God’s will no matter what we may be called to go through. –
Psalms 119:67,71; Hebrews 5:9

If you think your trials are more than you can bear consider that others may be going through worse. Ask God for
wisdom to understand how to view your trials in the proper perspective.

You add more facts and Scriptures of how God will help you in your trials.
 RELATED SCRIPTURES FOR FACING YOUR GREATEST TRIALS
6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before
the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where
do you come?”

So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from
walking back and forth on it.”
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none
like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You
not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on
every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased
in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will
surely curse You to Your face!”

And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a
12

hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

13Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in
their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were
plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and
took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I
alone have escaped to tell you!”
 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from
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heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone
have escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three
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bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the
edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and
18

daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly
a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house,
and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell
you!”

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and
20

worshiped. 21 And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. Job 1:6-22

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!

Many are they who rise up against me.
2 Many are they who say of me,

“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

4 I cried to the LORD with my voice,

And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
6

Who have set themselves against me all around. Psalms 3:1-8

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;
Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, O you sons of men,

Will you turn my glory to shame?

How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
3But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And put your trust in the LORD.

6 There are many who say,

“Who will show us any good?”

LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7 You have put gladness in my heart,

More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:1-8

O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger,

Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak;

O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

3 My soul also is greatly troubled;

But You, O LORD—how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver me!

Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!

5 For in death there is no remembrance of

You;
In the grave who will give You thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning;

All night I make my bed swim;

I drench my couch with my tears.
7 My eye wastes away because of grief;

It grows old because of all my enemies.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;

For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my supplication;

The LORD will receive my prayer.

10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;

Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Psalms 6:1-10

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

A refuge in times of trouble.
 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
10

For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people.
12 When He avenges blood, He remembers them;

He does not forget the cry of the humble.

13 Have mercy on me, O LORD!

Consider my trouble from those who hate me,

You who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 That I may tell of all Your praise

In the gates of the daughter of Zion.

I will rejoice in Your salvation. Psalms 9:9-14

I will love You, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

4 The pangs of death surrounded me,

And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
6 In my distress I called upon the LORD,

And cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.
7 Then the earth shook and trembled;

The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken,

Because He was angry.
8 Smoke went up from His nostrils,

And devouring fire from His mouth;

Coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down

With darkness under His feet.

10 And He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
He flew upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness His secret place;

His canopy around Him was dark waters

And thick clouds of the skies.
 From the brightness before Him,
12

His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.

13 The LORD thundered from heaven,
And the Most High uttered His voice,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
14 He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe,

Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.

15 Then the channels of the sea were seen,

The foundations of the world were uncovered

At Your rebuke, O LORD,
At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16 He sent from above, He took me;

He drew me out of many waters.

17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of

my calamity,
But the LORD was my support.
19 He also brought me out into a broad

place;
He delivered me because He
delighted in me.
20 The LORD rewarded me according to

my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my
hands
He has recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD,

And have not wickedly departed from my God.

22 For all His judgments were before me,

And I did not put away His statutes from me.

23 I was also blameless before Him,

And I kept myself from my iniquity.

24 Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

25 With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;

With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;

26 With the pure You will show Yourself pure;

And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.

 For You will save the humble people,
27

But will bring down haughty looks.

28 For You will light my lamp;
The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
29 For by You I can run against a troop,

By my God I can leap over a wall.

30 As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the LORD is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
31 For who is God, except the LORD?

And who is a rock, except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength,

And makes my way perfect.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
34 He teaches my hands to make war,

So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;

Your right hand has held me up,

Your gentleness has made me great.
36 You enlarged my path under me,

So my feet did not slip.

37 I have pursued my enemies and

overtaken them;
Neither did I turn back again till they
were destroyed.
38 I have wounded them,

So that they could not rise;

They have fallen under my feet.
39 For You have armed me with strength

for the battle;

You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
40 You have also given me the necks of my enemies,

So that I destroyed those who hated me.

41 They cried out, but there was none to save;

Even to the LORD, but He did not answer them.

42 Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind;

I cast them out like dirt in the streets.

43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people;

You have made me the head of the nations;

A people I have not known shall serve me.
44 As soon as they hear of me they obey me;

The foreigners submit to me.

45 The foreigners fade away,

And come frightened from their hideouts.

46 The LORD lives!

Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God who avenges me,

And subdues the peoples under me;

48 He delivers me from my enemies.

You also lift me up above those who rise against me;

You have delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.
50 Great deliverance He gives to His king,

And shows mercy to His anointed,

To David and his descendants forevermore. Psalms 18:1-50

The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me

To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against

me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have desired of the LORD,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;

Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When You said, “Seek My face,”

My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

9 Do not hide Your face from me;

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;
Do not leave me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,

Then the LORD will take care of me.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,

And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalms 27:1-14

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

I sought the LORD, and He heard me,

And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces were not ashamed.

6This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!

There is no want to those who fear Him.

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;

But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Depart from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

20 He guards all his bones;

Not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked,

And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,

And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. Psalms 34:5-22

As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”
4 When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim
feast.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon,
From the Hill Mizar.
7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;

All Your waves and billows have gone over me.

8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,

And in the night His song shall be with me—

A prayer to the God of my life.
9 I will say to God my Rock,

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a breaking of my bones,

My enemies reproach me,

While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
11 Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God. Psalms 42:1-11

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,

Even though the earth be removed,

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3Though its waters
roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains
shake with its
swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose

streams shall make

glad the city of God,
The holy place of
the tabernacle of the
Most High.
5 God is in the midst of

her, she shall not

be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;

He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Psalms 46:1-7

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;

Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,

And save me from bloodthirsty men. Psalms 59:1-2

Hear my cry, O God;

Attend to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a shelter for me,

A strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;

I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah Psalms 61:1-4

My soul, wait silently for God alone,

For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;

He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
7In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalms 62:5-8

When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches.
7 Because You have been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

8 My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me.

9But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
Psalms 63:6-9

Do not keep silent, O God!

Do not hold Your peace,
And do not be still, O God! Psalms 83:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.” Psalms 91:1-18

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

But now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and do good;

Teach me Your statutes.

69 The proud have forged a lie against me,

But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.

70 Their heart is as fat as grease,

But I delight in Your law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,

That I may learn Your statutes. Psalms 119:67-71

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.

3He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;

The LORD is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalms 121:1-8

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:24-25

Hear my prayer, O LORD,

Give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.
2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,

For in Your sight no one living is righteous.

3For the enemy has persecuted
my soul;
He has crushed my life to the
ground;
He has made me dwell
in darkness,
Like those who have long been
dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is

overwhelmed within me;

My heart within me is
distressed.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
6I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah
7 Answer me speedily, O LORD;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
In You I take shelter.
10 Teach me to do Your will,

For You are my God;

Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,

And destroy all those who afflict my soul;

For I am Your servant. Psalms 143:1-12

Do not put your trust in princes,

Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. Psalms 146:3

He heals the brokenhearted

And binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.
6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked down to the ground. Psalms 147:3-6

A merry heart does good, like medicine,

But a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
For You have been a strength to the poor,
A strength to the needy in his distress,
A refuge from the storm,
A shade from the heat;
For the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4

You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,

For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4

Indeed it was for my own peace

That I had great bitterness;
But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption,
For You have cast all my sins behind Your back. Isaiah 38:17

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

31 But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

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

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.Isaiah 43:1-2

“There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 48:22

“Who among you fears the LORD?

Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
Who walks in darkness
And has no light?
Let him trust in the name of the LORD
And rely upon his God. Isaiah 50:10

When the enemy comes in like a flood,

The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19
In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them;
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

As one whom his mother comforts,

So I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13

The LORD is good,

A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are
10

persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile

11

and persecute you, and say all kinds

of evil against you falsely for My
sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly
glad, for great is your reward in
heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:9-12
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
34

Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

34“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a
sword. 35 For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a
daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of
his own household.’ 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he
who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his
cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses
his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke
28

upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me,
21

and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to
seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
12 13 But he who
endures to the end shall be saved. Matthew 24:12-13
 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What!
40

Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into
temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41
16These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word,
immediately receive it with gladness; 17 and they have no root in themselves, and so
endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s
sake, immediately they stumble. 18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they
are the ones who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of
riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes
unfruitful. 20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the
word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” Mark
4:16-20

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the
35

other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as
He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and
the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern,
asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that
we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the
39

wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so
fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one
another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-40

33So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all

that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:33

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never

28

perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My

hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is
greater than all; and no one is able to
snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:28-
29
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not
bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may
bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to
you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides
in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears
5

much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is
cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the
fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask
what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:1-7
18“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the
world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of
the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is
not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My
word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake,
because they do not know Him who sent Me. John 15:18-21

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you
out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers
God service. John 16:1-2
33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
15I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from
the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your
truth. Your word is truth. John 17:15-17

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,
22

and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not
disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who
was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He
31

who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with
Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It
is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore
is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for
us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I
am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor
things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31-39
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in
13

hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God
of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted
by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds
through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is
effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are
comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast,
because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of
the consolation.
8For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in
Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired
even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in
ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death,
and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping
together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for
the gift granted to us through many. 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

18For I consider that the sufferings of this

present time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in us.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even

16

though our outward man is perishing, yet

the inward man is being renewed day by
day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, is working for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of
glory, 18 while we do not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are
not seen. For the things which are
seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:13-18
7And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the
flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above
measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from
me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in
persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
14
Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless
and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your
requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing,

16 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:16-18
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12

9But we see Jesus, who was made a little

lower than the angels, for the suffering of
death crowned with glory and honor, that He,
by the grace of God, might taste death for
everyone.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all

10

things and by whom are all things, in bringing

many sons to glory, to make the captain of
their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Hebrews 2:7-10
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the
14

Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let
us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to
help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have
18

strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters
the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for
us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20
7who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement
cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His
godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He
suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey
Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” Hebrews 5:7-10

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since
25

He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who
23

promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good
works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but
exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-
25

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the
elders obtained a good testimony. Hebrews 11:1-2
5By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God
had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But
without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:5-6

3For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you
become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed,
striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to
sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

7If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom
a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become
partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human
fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be
in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days
chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers
of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful;
nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have
been trained by it. Hebrews 12:3-11
5Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly
say:

“The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear.
What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
 2My brethren, count it all
joy when you fall into various
trials, 3 knowing that the
testing of your faith
produces patience. 4 But let
patience have its perfect
work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking
nothing. James 1:2-4

Blessed is the man who

endures temptation; for when
he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which
the Lord has promised to
those who love Him. James
1:12
10My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering
and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance
of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:10-11
13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is
anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick,
and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be
forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be
healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:13-18

6 In
this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by
various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that
perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of
Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing,
you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation
of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle,
18

but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God
one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for
your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it
patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;

23who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not
threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 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. 25 For you were like sheep going
astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter
2:18-26
13 And who is he who will harm you if you
become followers of what is good? 14 But
even if you should suffer for righteousness’
sake, you are blessed. “And do not be
afraid of their threats, nor be
troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in
your hearts, and always be ready to give a
defense to everyone who asks you a
reason for the hope that is in you, with
meekness and fear; 16 having a good
conscience, that when they defame you as
evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it
is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to
God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He
went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once
the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in
which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:13-2012 Beloved,
do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s
sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If
you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of
God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is
glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as
a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:12-15

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in
19

doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19

6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in
due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same
sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all
grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:6-10

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in

14

peace, without spot and blameless; 2 Peter 3:14

11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest
17

of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of
Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.
2 Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,

My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

4 I cried to the LORD with my voice,

And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me all around.

Psalms
FROM THE BOOK: STEPS TO CHRIST
BY E.G. WHITE
REJOICING IN THE LORD

The children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth the goodness and mercy of the
Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that
does not know His tender, pitying love. "As Thou hast sent Me into the world," said Jesus, "even so have I
also sent them into the world." "I in them, and Thou in Me; . . . that the world may know that Thou hast
sent Me." John 17: 18, 23. The apostle Paul says to the disciples of Jesus, "Ye are manifestly declared to be
the epistle of Christ," "known and read of all men." 2 Corinthians 3:3, 2. In every one of His children, Jesus
sends a letter to the world. If you are Christ's follower, He sends in you a letter to the family, the village,
the street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not
acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible, or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its
pages; they do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus, it
may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness and be won to love and
serve Him.

Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. They are to reflect to the world the light shining
upon them from Christ. Their life and character should be such that through them others will get a right
conception of Christ and of His service. [p. 116]

If we do represent Christ, we shall make His service appear attractive, as it really is. Christians who gather
up gloom and sadness to their souls, and murmur and complain, are giving to others a false representation
of God and the Christian life. They give the impression that God is not pleased to have His children happy,
and in this they bear false witness against our heavenly Father.

Satan is exultant when he can lead the children of God into unbelief and despondency. He delights to see us
mistrusting God, doubting His willingness and power to save us. He loves to have us feel that the Lord will
do us harm by His providences. It is the work of Satan to represent the Lord as lacking in compassion and
pity. He misstates the truth in regard to Him. He fills the imagination with false ideas concerning God; and
instead of dwelling upon the truth in regard to our heavenly Father, we too often fix our minds upon the
misrepresentations of Satan and dishonor God by distrusting Him and murmuring against Him. Satan ever
seeks to make the religious life one of gloom. He desires it to appear toilsome and difficult; and when the
Christian presents in his own life this view of religion, he is, through his unbelief, seconding the falsehood
of Satan.
Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mistakes and failures and disappointments, and their
hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. While I was in Europe, a sister who had been doing this,
and who was in deep distress, wrote to me, asking for some word of encouragement. The night after I had
read her letter I dreamed that I was in a garden, and one who seemed to be the owner of [p. 117] the garden
was conducting me through its paths. I was gathering the flowers and enjoying their fragrance, when this
sister, who had been walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly briers that were impeding
her way. There she was mourning and grieving. She was not walking in the pathway, following the guide,
but was walking among the briers and thorns. "Oh," she mourned, "is it not a pity that this beautiful garden
is spoiled with thorns?" Then the guide said, "Let the thorns alone, for they will only wound you. Gather
the roses, the lilies, and the pinks."

Have there not been some bright spots in your experience? Have you not had some precious seasons when
your heart throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you look back into the chapters of
your life experience do you not find some pleasant pages? Are not God's promises, like the fragrant
flowers, growing beside your path on every hand? Will you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your
heart with joy?

The briers and thorns will only wound and grieve you; and if you gather only these things, and present
them to others, are you not, besides slighting the goodness of God yourself, preventing those around you
from walking in the path of life?

It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollections of a past life,—its iniquities and
disappointments,—to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement.
A discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a
shadow upon the pathway of others. [p. 118]

Thank God for the bright pictures which He has presented to us. Let us group together the blessed
assurances of His love, that we may look upon them continually: The Son of God leaving His Father's
throne, clothing His divinity with humanity, that He might rescue man from the power of Satan; His
triumph in our behalf, opening heaven to men, revealing to human vision the presence chamber where the
Deity unveils His glory; the fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin into which sin had plunged it, and
brought again into connection with the infinite God, and having endured the divine test through faith in our
Redeemer, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and exalted to His throne—these are the pictures which
God would have us contemplate.

When we seem to doubt God's love and distrust His promises we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit.
How would a mother feel if her children were constantly complaining of her, just as though she did not
mean them well, when her whole life's effort had been to forward their interests and to give them comfort?
Suppose they should doubt her love; it would break her heart. How would any parent feel to be thus treated
by his children? And how can our heavenly Father regard us when we distrust His love, which has led Him
to give His only-begotten Son that we might have life? The apostle writes, "He that spared not His own
Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans
8:32. And yet how many, by their actions, if not in word, are saying, "The Lord does [p. 119] not mean this
for me. Perhaps He loves others, but He does not love me."

All this is harming your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan's temptations; it is
strengthening in you the tendency to doubt, and it is grieving from you the ministering angels. When Satan
tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness. If you choose to open the door to his suggestions,
your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. If you talk out your feelings, every doubt
you express not only reacts upon yourself, but it is a seed that will germinate and bear fruit in the life of
others, and it may be impossible to counteract the influence of your words. You yourself may be able to
recover from the season of temptation and from the snare of Satan, but others who have been swayed by
your influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have suggested. How important that we
speak only those things that will give spiritual strength and life!

Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing to the world about your heavenly Master.
Let your conversation be of Him who liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. When you take
the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in your heart. This will attract his thoughts to
Jesus.

All have trials; griefs hard to bear, temptations hard to resist. Do not tell your troubles to your fellow
mortals, but carry everything to God in prayer. Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or
discouragement. You can do much to brighten the [p. 120] life of others and strengthen their efforts, by
words of hope and holy cheer.

There is many a brave soul sorely pressed by temptation, almost ready to faint in the conflict with self and
with the powers of evil. Do not discourage such a one in his hard struggle. Cheer him with brave, hopeful
words that shall urge him on his way. Thus the light of Christ may shine from you. "None of us liveth to
himself." Romans 14:7. By our unconscious influence others may be encouraged and strengthened, or they
may be discouraged, and repelled from Christ and the truth.

There are many who have an erroneous idea of the life and character of Christ. They think that He was
devoid of warmth and sunniness, that He was stern, severe, and joyless. In many cases the whole religious
experience is colored by these gloomy views.

It is often said that Jesus wept, but that He was never known to smile. Our Saviour was indeed a Man of
Sorrows, and acquainted with grief, for He opened His heart to all the woes of men. But though His life
was self-denying and shadowed with pain and care, His spirit was not crushed. His countenance did not
wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peaceful serenity. His heart was a wellspring of
life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness.

Our Saviour was deeply serious and intensely in earnest, but never gloomy or morose. The life of those
who imitate Him will be full of earnest purpose; they will have a deep sense of personal responsibility.
Levity will be repressed; there will be no [p. 121] boisterous merriment, no rude jesting; but the religion of
Jesus gives peace like a river. It does not quench the light of joy; it does not restrain cheerfulness nor cloud
the sunny, smiling face. Christ came not to be ministered unto but to minister; and when His love reigns in
the heart, we shall follow His example.

If we keep uppermost in our minds the unkind and unjust acts of others we shall find it impossible to love
them as Christ has loved us; but if our thoughts dwell upon the wondrous love and pity of Christ for us, the
same spirit will flow out to others. We should love and respect one another, notwithstanding the faults and
imperfections that we cannot help seeing. Humility and self-distrust should be cultivated, and a patient
tenderness with the faults of others. This will kill out all narrowing selfishness and make us large-hearted
and generous.

The psalmist says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be
fed." Psalm 37:3. "Trust in the Lord." Each day has its burdens, its cares and perplexities; and when we
meet how ready we are to talk of our difficulties and trials. So many borrowed troubles intrude, so many
fears are indulged, such a weight of anxiety is expressed, that one might suppose we had no pitying, loving
Saviour ready to hear all our requests and to be to us a present help in every time of need.
Some are always fearing, and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded with the tokens of God's
love; every day they are enjoying the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these present [p. 122]
blessings. Their minds are continually dwelling upon something disagreeable which they fear may come; or
some difficulty may really exist which, though small, blinds their eyes to the many things that demand
gratitude. The difficulties they encounter, instead of driving them to God, the only source of their help,
separate them from Him because they awaken unrest and repining.

Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all
heaven is interested in our welfare. We should not allow the perplexities and worries of everyday life to fret
the mind and cloud the brow. If we do we shall always have something to vex and annoy. We should not
indulge a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does not help us to bear trials.

You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker, and you may be threatened
with loss; but do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God, and remain calm and cheerful. Pray for
wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion, and thus prevent loss and disaster. Do all you can on your
part to bring about favorable results. Jesus has promised His aid, but not apart from our effort. When,
relying upon our Helper, you have done all you can, accept the result cheerfully.

It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does not deceive
us. He does not say to us, "Do not fear; there are no dangers in your path." He knows there are trials and
dangers, and He deals with us plainly. He does not propose to take His people out of a world of sin and
evil, but He points them to a never-failing [p. 123] refuge. His prayer for His disciples was, "I pray not that
Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil." "In the
world," He says, "ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 17:15,
16:33.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught His disciples precious lessons in regard to the necessity of
trusting in God. These lessons were designed to encourage the children of God through all ages, and they
have come down to our time full of instruction and comfort. The Saviour pointed His followers to the birds
of the air as they warbled their carols of praise, unencumbered with thoughts of care, for "they sow not,
neither do they reap." And yet the great Father provides for their needs. The Saviour asks, "Are ye not
much better than they?" Matthew 6:26. The great Provider for man and beast opens His hand and supplies
all His creatures. The birds of the air are not beneath His notice. He does not drop the food into their bills,
but He makes provision for their needs. They must gather the grains He has scattered for them. They must
prepare the material for their little nests. They must feed their young. They go forth singing to their labor,
for "your heavenly Father feedeth them." And "are ye not much better than they?" Are not you, as
intelligent, spiritual worshipers, of more value than the birds of the air? Will not the Author of our being,
the Preserver of our life, the One who formed us in His own divine image, provide for our necessities if we
but trust in Him?

Christ pointed His disciples to the flowers of the [p. 124] field, growing in rich profusion and glowing in
the simple beauty which the heavenly Father had given them, as an expression of His love to man. He said,
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow." The beauty and simplicity of these natural flowers far
outrival the splendor of Solomon. The most gorgeous attire produced by the skill of art cannot bear
comparison with the natural grace and radiant beauty of the flowers of God's creation. Jesus asks, "If God
so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more
clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matthew 6: 28, 30. If God, the divine Artist, gives to the simple flowers
that perish in a day their delicate and varied colors, how much greater care will He have for those who are
created in His own image? This lesson of Christ's is a rebuke to the anxious thought, the perplexity and
doubt, of the faithless heart.
The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Jesus says, "My peace I
give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid." "These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be
full." John 14:27; 15:11.

Happiness that is sought from selfish motives, outside of the path of duty, is ill-balanced, fitful, and
transitory; it passes away, and the soul is filled with loneliness and sorrow; but there is joy and satisfaction
in the service of God; the Christian is not left to walk in uncertain paths; he is not left to vain regrets and
disappointments. If we do not have the [p. 125] pleasures of this life we may still be joyful in looking to the
life beyond.

But even here Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ; they may have the light of His love,
the perpetual comfort of His presence. Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper
experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace. Then let us not cast
away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,"
and He will help us to the end. 1 Samuel 7:12. Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the
Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory
all the tender mercies that God has shown us,—the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the
anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,—thus strengthening
ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage.

We cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may look on what is past as
well as on what is to come, and say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." "As thy days, so shall thy strength
be." Deuteronomy 33:25. The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to bear it. Then let us
take up our work just where we find it, believing that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the
trial will be given.

And by and by the gates of heaven will be thrown open to admit God's children, and from the lips of the
King of glory the benediction will fall on their [p. 126] ears like richest music, "Come, ye blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34.

Then the redeemed will be welcomed to the home that Jesus is preparing for them. There their companions
will not be the vile of earth, liars, idolaters, the impure, and unbelieving; but they will associate with those
who have overcome Satan and through divine grace have formed perfect characters. Every sinful tendency,
every imperfection, that afflicts them here has been removed by the blood of Christ, and the excellence and
brightness of His glory, far exceeding the brightness of the sun, is imparted to them. And the moral beauty,
the perfection of His character, shines through them, in worth far exceeding this outward splendor. They
are without fault before the great white throne, sharing the dignity and the privileges of the angels.

In view of the glorious inheritance that may be his, "what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Matthew 16:26. He may be poor, yet he possesses in himself a wealth and dignity that the world could
never bestow. The soul redeemed and cleansed from sin, with all its noble powers dedicated to the service
of God, is of surpassing worth; and there is joy in heaven in the presence of God and the holy angels over
one soul redeemed, a joy that is expressed in songs of holy triumph.