In Spite of Circumstances (excerpt from "Bible Readings on Hope", Roger C. Palsm, p. 40, 1995) Psalm 119:73-76 ... "May they who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your Word" (v.74). Many people know where hope comes from but they don't know how to get it, how to have it, and how not to lose it. When a Christian dentist lost one of his arms in an accident, he struggled with the realization, "It is never going to be any different." Whatever is troubling you - finances, health, parents, children - maybe it is never going to be any different - or, at least, not be different for a long time. Maybe, like that amputee trying to practice dentistry, that's the way it is. But it's in those situations that we place our trust and hope in God. And when others see it, they are encouraged to trust too. They know that, like the dentist, we cannot grow another arm. We have to live with what is. That doesn't negate the power of God or prayer. It doesn't mean that God can't change things or perform miracles. He can. The one who can say, "Your hands made me. Give me understanding," is the one who can also say, "May they who fear You rejoice when they see me." Why? Because in spite of my circumstances, I can put my hope in God. ** Dear God, life is not always fair. But I thank You that I have hope in You. May others see it. ** Think about that major troubling problem in your life. Instead of fighting against it, yield it to God. Scriptural Nourishment For The Weary Soul (NIV) Isaiah 43:2-3 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God,.." Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 1 Peter 5:6-7 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." Psalm 9:9-10 - "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Isaiah 35:3-4 - "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you." Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'" Isaiah 40:31 - "..but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Hebrews 12:12-13 - "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." 2 Chronicles 15:7 - "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 37:23-24 - "The Lord delights in the way of man whose steps he has made firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 42:5/11 - "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Isaiah 50:7 - "Because the Sovereing Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." Hebrews 4:15-16 - "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Psalm 34:4 - "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Proverbs 1:33 - "..but whoever listens to Me will live in safety and be at ease; without fear of harm." Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous Right Hand." Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive spirit that makes you a slave again to fear ..." 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 1 John 4:18 - "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear ..." Deuteronomy 31:8 - "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." Psalm 27:1-6 - "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord." Psalm 23 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I wall 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head wiht oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Rev. Manny's Special Spiritual Guidance [ My Story ][ Diagnosis ][ Suspect A Problem ][ Treatment Options ][ Herbs & Natural Remedies ] [ Links ][ Suggested Reading ][ Christian Support ][ Inspirational Quotes ][ Main Page ]