Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Yesterday was truly a special day of sharing about the challenges of faith and confidence in prayer. I want to sincerely thank those who shared their thoughts in such powerful words. Having read the comments, I felt led to depart from the Dear Libby format today to focus on words of encouragement from the Bible. Tomorrow we will return to Libby and discuss the Discipline of Fasting.
I was so struck by the words of encouragement in the comments yesterday and the references to Bible verses that I would like to continue on that theme for one more day. Let’s do what the verse above from 1 Thessalonians admonishes us to do, with particular focus on prayer.
Request:
Please think about a verse or passage of scripture that encourages you to remain faithful in prayer to God even when you feel discouraged. It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember the verse exactly or the reference, just share what you remember.
March 22, 2017 at 6:58 am
The words “be still” have been a source of encouragement for me. Two references are: Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
The Lord reminds us to rest in Him. Not to struggle or fuss but leave matters in His hands.
March 22, 2017 at 8:03 am
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by Gid. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than sparrows. (Luke 12:6 – 7)
March 22, 2017 at 8:32 am
I love this one!
The Persistence Principle!
Men and women should always pray and never lose heart!
In Luke 18: 1-8 Jesus tells the story of the importunate widow. According to the dictionary Importunate means persistent especially to the point of annoying.
The importunate widow prevailed upon the unrighteous judge who feared neither man or GOD and certainly didn’t care for this woman. But because she was so annoyingly persistent in petitioning the judge for justice from her adversary – day and night she pressed the judge until she prevailed. The unrighteous judge growing weary of her many entreaties granted her request.
The moral of the story is this: if a woman of no means could prevail upon an unrighteous judge who did not give two hoots about her, to grant her petition, how much more GOD, the Father who gave up his only begotten son to die for His children hear and grant our requests?
He invites us to be persistent. Ask until He tells you to stop asking. Try GOD on this – see what He does. He stakes His very integrity on it.
March 22, 2017 at 8:39 am
I”m always assured by Psalm 121:1-8. This scriptures help me to keep my focus on the Lord’s faithfulness and love for me. I memorized this passage by heart. When I’m down and weary, this verse uplifts my spirit. This motivates me and fills me with joy even when the going is rough.
“I lift my eyes up to the hill where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches you will not slumber. Indeed , he who watches Israel will neither sleep nor slumber. The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by the day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your coming amd gong both now and forever “
March 22, 2017 at 4:02 pm
I gravitate towards Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd”.
March 22, 2017 at 10:03 pm
Psalm 18:2-3..The lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God,. My strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths .
Jer 29:11 for I know the plans I have for you .Plans for good and not for evil to give you a future and a hope
March 23, 2017 at 8:47 am
Didn’t manage to capture this yesterday but still inclined to do so…
The verses that come to mind for me (apart from a couple already mentioned the day before) are…
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The clincher is in the promise! Verse 7 does not say “And the things that you asked for will be granted”. Rather, it says whether or not they are, you will supernaturally have TRUE PEACE in both your heart and mind!! – and isn’t that what truly matters!? Aren’t ‘the things’ we ask for merely a means to that end? This is a promise to cling to!
Note also the right way to ask… with thankful hearts.