he Bible says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). We worry because we are not perfect and the day-by-day challenge in life tends to produce anxieties. However, as born-again believers we have God’s reassurance and protection and should not fret about the details of everyday life. The Lord Jesus Christ understands our daily concerns. In Matthew chapter 6, the Lord Jesus Christ said “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will eHeHe not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:25-30)
If you are unsure about the future, your income, your marriage or your health then make Matthew 6 a daily part of your daily Bible reading. These Scriptural verses will remind you that God is in control, and we are His beloved sons and daughters. Remember, God is trust-worthy and we are protected by the promises from God’s Word.
The word for courage is “tharseo” and means to “be of good courage” or “of good cheer” … so encouragement is tied to courage because to be encouraged is to be of good courage or good cheer. Courage will help us to accomplish good things and against those who act in a bad way or who threaten us.
Scripture Verses for Meditation
“Then Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.’” (Joshua 10:25)
“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart form your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD you God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9)
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. W will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Anxiety in the heart of many causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)
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“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“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.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“… and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
“Let 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. So, we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:6-8)
“There is not fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19)
“Be of good courage and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” (1 Chronicles 19:13)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
You have promised to protect me, and I will trust You. Everyday I will place my hopes, my faith and my life You have given me in Your hands. Please let my life be a testimony to the transforming power of Your love, Your grace, and Your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Scripture Verses are taken from the NKJV of the Holy Bible.
By
Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Scriptural Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org.