By Wilbur Lim
Often we are immersed in our day-to-day chores and routines. On some days, everything goes our way, and we feel that much has been accomplished. On other days, it feels as though the world is a very tough place for us to live in.
Of late, I have felt much of the latter, where the stressful days at work caused me to be somewhat drained, lethargic and demoralised. Even so, I continuously seek after God’s wisdom and pray for His guidance on a daily basis. His word has helped me through many struggles.
I thought it may be helpful that I list down some of the verses that lift my spirits and encourage me to go on when I falter at times.
Take time to meditate, ponder on His Word constantly; and of course, understand all scriptures in their right context. You will find that the word of God is very effective in helping us in times of need!
1) Scriptures that lift the spirit, when you feel the world out there is against you:
I do find that much of Psalm 118 brings out the words one can relate with, especially verses 5 and 6:
“I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”
Romans 12 bring out the virtues of how we ought to behave, concluding in verse 21:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
Where there are people around us, there is bound to be conflict. At times people may mean harm to you, but communicate with superiors or the relevant authority to assist you instead of going on the offensive.
2) When you feel alone:
Proverbs 18:24a
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly,”
We need to take the first step in taking an interest in the people around us to begin a friendship.
3) When you are anxious, stressed or worried:
Phillipians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Psalm 28:7: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.”
Proverbs 17:22: “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”
Often when we feel sad, we relate well with songs that express our unhappy moments. However the first step we ought to take is to REJOICE! Yes, an emphasis is there as the word ‘rejoice’ is mentioned twice in Phil. 4:4.
We ought to sing uplifting songs of praise to God during our dark moments, be thankful and count our blessings big and small. Also, we need to pray for wisdom and guidance from God to address the difficult situations in our lives.
4) When in doubt on what directions you should take in life, approach brethren who can give advice based on God’s principles.
Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 15:22: “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Proverbs 19:21: “There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
5) Finally be encouraged when you are feeling down and out, for God is always there for us when we run to Him in times of need, as the Psalmist has written:
Psalms 23:1-3:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.”
Psalms 27:1:
“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?”
Psalms 27:14:
“Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!”
Psalms 46:1:
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 55:22:
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalms 91:2:
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.””
May God bless you richly as you choose to continuously abide in Him.
