Tag: When Hurting

Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).

I desire to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Surely God will save me from the fowler’s snare, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover me with His feathers, and under His wings I will find refuge. His faithfulness is my shield and rampart, my buckler wherever I go. I will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys in sunlight. A thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it will not come near me. I will only observe with my eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because I make the Most High my dwelling place — even the Lord, who is my refuge — no [deadly] harm will befall me. No [life-threatening] disaster will come near my dwelling. For the Lord will command His angels concerning me, to guard me in all my ways. They will lift me up in their hands so I will not strike my foot against a stone. I will tread upon the lion and the cobra; I will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because [he/she] loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue [him/her]. I will set [him/her] securely on high, for [he/she] acknowledges My name. [He/She] will call upon Me and I will answer [him/her]. I will be with [him/her] in trouble. I will deliver [him/her] and honor [him/her]. With long life I will satisfy [him/her] and show [him/her] My salvation.” (Psalm 91:1-16)

Lord, You have said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” For Your strength is shown perfect in my weakness. So I will take pleasure gladly in my infirmities, pains, distresses — for Christ’s sake — so Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore I count it all joy whenever I fall into various trials knowing that the testing of my faith produces patience. And I will let patience have its perfect work in me, so I may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing in my service to You, Lord (James 1:2-4). Dear God, help me to remain faithful in tests that have been granted for my gain, because I know that when my faith is tested, my endurance has a chance to grow.

Jesus has promised: “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you” (John 14:18). Jesus, Your banner over me is love — how fortunate I am! My Lover is mine and I am His (Song of Songs 2:4, 16).

Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, we must have the same attitude He did (1 Peter 4:1). I must be ready to suffer too, for I remember that when my body suffers, sin loses it power (1 Peter 4:1 Phillips). I take my share of suffering as a good soldier in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). Father, You are able to make all grace abound to me so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

You have allotted me grace (Ephesians 4:7). You have redeemed me with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment (Exodus 6:6).  You have taken me as Your own, and You are my God (Psalm 31:14).  You are a Father to me (Ephesians 1:5).  You have delivered me from the past that has held me in bondage, and translated me into the kingdom of love, peace, joy and righteousness (Colossians 1:13). 

Father, You Yourself have told me: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I [the Almighty One] am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). So I will say of the Lord: “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”