God Gives Peace and Joy - 273-293

273.  Do Christians have good reason to rejoice with abundant hope?

• Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
• Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
• Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
• 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
• Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Dearest Lord, I truly do have You as my help, and that brings great happiness to my heart! As I recognize how wonderful You are to me, I am abounding in joy! What a rich treasure I have in Jesus, my precious Savior. I have every reason to rejoice in hope, the blessed hope, because You will soon return. Lord Jesus, keep Your hope alive in my heart always, so that my rejoicing will spread to others.

274.  Can hope in God lift me out of discouragement and depression?

• Psalm 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
• Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
• Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his Word do I hope.
• Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
• Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Father in Heaven, If my spiritual eyes were fully opened, I'm certain I would come to appreciate the inestimable value of hope more highly than I now do. Without hope for the future, life would truly be drudgery. But hope turns the heavy burdens into Heavenly blessings. Father, only with the blindness that Satan provides can humans find pleasure in sin. But Lord, when You open our eyes to truth, we find true pleasure and joy in You. The hope You offer fills my heart with genuine happiness, and I delight in Your presence.

275.  Will songs of praise to God bring me joy and encouragement?

• Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
• Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
• Psalm 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
• Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
• Colossians 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Dearest God, When I am weighed down with discouragement, please direct my heart to hope in You. Open my lips so that I may praise You with my whole heart. Teach me not to focus on my human feelings, but to focus on Your goodness. By choosing to trust You and praise You, and acting on that choice, I will find my feelings coming into harmony with my decision. I do praise You, Lord, and give You complete ownership of my heart. I choose to let You be the Lord Supreme over all my emotions, so You can mold them according to Your will. Give me a hope-filled joyful heart at all times!

276.  Does God want me to have a thankful heart?

• Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
• Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
• Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
• Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
• Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Precious Savior, What wonderful spiritual music You surround me with, beautiful songs of deliverance. You give me songs of praise and rejoicing. Your songs, Oh Lord, bring such comfort and hope. As I sing Your praises, I sense Your presence. The melody springs from the joy You plant in my heart. What blessed encouragement spiritual songs bring. Thank You, Lord, for the treasure You provide in uplifting, godly music!

277.  Should I keep in mind all the wonderful things God has done for me?

• 1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
• 1 Chronicles 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
• 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
• Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
• Psalm 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.

My dear Lord, I do thank You and praise You for Your marvelous goodness to me. Oh, that I would always maintain an attitude of gratitude toward You, and keep all complaining and discontented feelings away. Keep me radiant and rejoicing in You, because You are worthy to be praised!

278.  Should I praise the Lord?

• Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
• Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
• Psalm 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
• Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
• Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Dear Father, Your marvelous works are innumerable. Your Word is full of them, my life is full of them, history is full of them, nature is full of them! I can never run out of themes for meditation on Your marvelous works. I can never exhaust the subject in my conversation. Teach me, Lord, to ever be mindful of Your power and goodness. Show me how to appreciate each blessing and constantly be telling others how wonderful You are!

279.  Will God help me to learn to be contented with my circumstances?

• Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
• 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
• 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
• 1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
• Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Oh Lord my God, the high and holy One, surely You are worthy of my most enthusiastic praise! Nothing in this world or in my life should generate a greater thrill than praising You. It is in praising You that I am lifted up into Your holy presence. What a delightful encounter You bring as I praise You. Lord, keep my praises ever ascending to You, to knit my heart as one with You.

280.  Is complaining and murmuring displeasing to God?

• Numbers 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
• John 6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
• 1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
• Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
• Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Kind Savior, What a blessed state it is to rest in You with a contented heart. Keep me from longing greedily for this or that, or complaining about difficult circumstances. Help me to cheerfully accept any situation, trusting that You will provide just what I need when I need it. Lord, enable me to learn this lesson well, so that discontented feelings will find no place in my heart. For You truly take wonderful care of me!

281.  How can I have peace in my heart?

• Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
• Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
• Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
• Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
• Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Precious Savior, You tell me how I can have a peaceful heart, and that is to keep my mind on You, trusting in You. What a marvelous solution to resolving the turmoil that threatens me, to rely on You and Your saving grace! When I allow You to take control of my thoughts, I find life and peace. Your kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace. Thank You, dear Lord, for the indescribable, abundant peace that pervades my life as I rest in Jesus Christ.

282.  Does worry and fear show that I have a lack of faith in God?

• Psalm 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Psalm 46:1, 2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
• John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, 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.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

All Powerful God and Savior, Your loving presence banishes all fear from my heart. You promised to sustain me and give me courage and hope. There is no cause for worry or anxiety with You by my side. No matter what happens, You are able to uphold me through any tragedy. Nothing can happen to me except by Your permission. Because of You, I will not fear, and I will not be dismayed. You have the solution to every problem I could possibly face. You are able, and I praise Your holy name!

283.  How can trusting in God keep me from being fearful?

• Psalm 56:3, 4 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
• Psalm 56:11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
• Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
• Psalm 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
• Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Mighty Savior, How blessed it is to place all my trust in You. I cannot reserve any trust for man, because human strength is incapable of remaining steadfast in desperate times of need. Only You are ever faithful. Man can turn on me, and overpower me, but You are stronger than any human, demon or disaster. I need not anticipate tragedy or bad news because my heart is trusting in Your security. Nothing is too huge or too tragic that You can't deliver me from. Thank You, Lord!

284.  What promises has God given me that He will protect me?

• Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
• Psalm 34:17, 19 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
• Psalm 91:9, 10 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
• Proverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
• Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Oh Father! Open my eyes to realize how much it displeases You when I murmur and complain! Truly this is the spirit of the enemy. Complaining about trials and circumstances shows I'm not trusting You, and not thankful for what You have done for me. How this must hurt Your loving heart. You allow me to experience trials for my own good, to strengthen my character. Help me never to complain about life's difficulties, but to be filled with loving appreciation at all times. Forgive me for all the complaining in my past.

285.  What promises has God given for the time of trouble?

• Psalm 37:39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
• Psalm 37:40 And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
• Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
• Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
• Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Kind Heavenly Father, While You do allow Your children to suffer affliction , You have promised eternal deliverance from all our troubles. Trusting in Your promises allows me to rest in Your protecting care. You will allow nothing to hurt me that You have not made provision for. I am totally safe and secure in Your plan for my life. What a relief it is to let go of apprehension as I rest in You, dear Jesus!

286.  Does God chasten, or discipline me, as His child?

• Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
• Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
• Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
• Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
• Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Dear Heavenly Father, Truly You do love me, as Your precious child. You know what is the very best for me. You understand all the faults I have that need to be corrected, and so, in love, You chasten and rebuke me. Lord, help me to understand that these hard lessons are necessary for me. Help me to not turn against You when You allow me to undergo these painful experiences. Enable me to trust You, and appreciate all that You are doing for me, even during the difficult times.

287.  Does God promise to comfort me in my afflictions and trials?

• Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
• Psalm 71:21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
• Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy Word hath quickened me.
• Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
• 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Precious Lord, thank You so much for all the wonderful consolation You provide, just when I need it most. You have promised to be right by my side, and if I will believe in Your Word, it will bring hope and reassurance to my heart. You do bring comfort in all my afflictions. Show me how, Lord to comfort others in their afflictions, pointing them to You and sharing Your promises with them.

288.  Does the Bible say that trials purify us, to make us righteous?

• Psalm 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
• Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
• Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
• Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
• Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Dear God, What patience and mercy You have shown toward me, going to all the trouble of refining and purifying me, to make me white and clean in Your righteousness. I recognize all the worthless dross and filth in my character that needs refinement. Thank You, Lord, for Your willingness to work with me and prepare me for Your coming. Enable me to bear the furnace of affliction in Your strength.

289.  Should Christians expect persecution and tribulation?

• Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
• 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
• Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
• Revelation 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Dearest Lord, You tell us in Your Word that we will suffer much tribulation, and that all who live godly lives shall suffer persecution. Help me, Lord, not to compromise my faith to avoid persecution. Empower me to be bold in my witness for You, even if some reject me and ridicule me. Strengthen me in the easy times, to fortify myself for more difficult times ahead. Keep me faithful to You no matter what.

290.  Can the trials that God allows in my life be for my good?

• Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
• Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
• 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
• James 1:3 Knowing this , that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
• 1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Dearest Father, I want to thank You for the afflictions that You allow to come into my life. Your Word calls them light afflictions, because in contrast to the glory of our eternal inheritance, they are totally insignificant, hardly worth mentioning. Help me to realize this, Lord, and never complain of my heavy burdens, but to view them as mere inconveniences not worth fretting over. Enable me to see that the suffering is accomplishing something wonderful that will last forever, which is a strong and enduring faith in You.

291.  Is it a privilege to suffer for Christ's sake, to endure persecution?

• John 15:20 Remember the Word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
• Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
• Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
• 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
• 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
• 1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Dear Jesus, what an amazing perspective to actually consider it an honor and privilege to suffer for You. Only deep abiding love and devotion for You makes that a possibility. Many men have laid down their lives for infinitely less. Teach me, Lord, to adore You so deeply that I would gladly suffer anything for Your sake. Help me to see it as an honor to have people persecute me, because they acknowledge my commitment to You. Energize me to rejoice when I am permitted to suffer rejection for Your sake.

292.  What specific promises has God given to me when I am in trouble and tribulation?

• Deuteronomy 4:30, 31 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
• Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
• Psalm 108:12, 13 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
• Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
• Romans 8:35, 37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Dear Lord My God, You are a merciful God! You are faithful to Your promises. You are my refuge and strength, and You have promised to be with me in trouble. You have promised to provide bread and water during the time of trouble. Even if I suffer through great tribulation and danger, in You I will be a conqueror. Thank You, God for Your lovingkindness toward me!

293.  Will God give me strength to rejoice in suffering and persecution?

• Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
• Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
• 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Dear Lord, You are my strength now, and You will continue to be my strength through the time of trouble. I will keep on trusting You. You have promised to deliver me in time of trouble, and told me not to be afraid. Teach me, Lord, the lesson of complete trust so that I can have confidence and peace, and focus on bringing glory to Your name.

INDEX