I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.”
The Lord is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.
In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried out to my God. From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.
for the needy are not permanently ignored, the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.
When I am afraid, I trust in you.
In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?
“But there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.
Why are you depressed, O my soul? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention.
The Lord delivers and vindicates me! I fear no one! The Lord protects my life! I am afraid of no one!
“I am the Lord, the God of all humankind. There is, indeed, nothing too difficult for me.
God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.
He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”
The Lord who commands armies is on our side! The God of Jacob is our protector! (Selah)
For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair;
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As for me, I will call out to God, and the Lord will deliver me.
During the evening, morning, and noontime I will lament and moan, and he will hear me.
He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, even though they greatly outnumber me.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you – yes, I help you – yes, I uphold you with my saving right hand!
Patiently wait for God alone, my soul! For he is the one who gives me confidence.
He alone is my protector and deliverer. He is my refuge; I will not be upended.
The Lord is indeed going before you – he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged!”
Return to the stronghold, you prisoners, with hope; today I declare that I will return double what was taken from you.
I collapse in the dirt. Revive me with your word!
I told you about my ways and you answered me. Teach me your statutes!
I will praise the Lord who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn.
I constantly trust in the Lord; because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended.
Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.
The one who weeps as he walks along, carrying his bag of seed, will certainly come in with a shout of joy, carrying his sheaves of grain.
The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.
And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.
Trust in him at all times, you people! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our shelter! (Selah)
This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials.
But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.
When you pass through the waters, I am with you; when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you.
For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance, character, and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison
because we are not looking at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen. For what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain,
But this I call to mind; therefore I have hope: ח (Khet)
The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end.
They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
How blessed is the one whose helper is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,
Likewise, know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
I look up toward the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth!
Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.
And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.
God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,
to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,
Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the Lord’s favor in the land of the living?
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.