Carol Purves

When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. Isaiah 43:1

There are times in life when we feel we will overwhelmed. But here is a promise from God; we just need to hang in there.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

When sleep is an impossibility, how about going through the Bible and counting how many times God says ‘Do not fear,’ or words meaning the same thing. Sleep is sure to come before you’ve finished, and you will be comforted.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

We all need something we can absolutely depend on and we know from bitter experience that we can’t depend on ourselves. We keep on mucking up.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Sometimes we feel like a pawn in life. We have less and less control. What a comfort to know God is routing for us and strengthening us.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

This is a verse to hang on to when things are not going well. God knows the end from the beginning; we don’t.

Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast of the Kingdom of God.

Luke 14:15

I find it hard to visualise a feast with no shopping for ingredients, no cooking and perfect food. Food which satisfies in the perfect company of God.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 100:1

I am not noted for a good singing voice. Therefore I tend to sing very quietly or not at all. I now realise I should sing with all my heart, even if it is quietly. It is not the quality that is important, but the praise from my heart. Whenever I despair about my singing, I remember that when singing in heaven in, it will be perfect.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I recently met up with a group of friends I hadn’t met for a long time. We shared our current news and reflected on how our lives had turned out differently from what we had planned. I then had to admit that God meant it for my good and His plans were wiser than mine.

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand. Isaiah 41:10

The bravest of us experience fear; facing new things, in the middle of the night, suffering pain and bereavement. Our only reliable help is in God.

I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have committed to Him against that day. ” Timothy 1:12

As we get up each day, we never know what the day will bring, good or bad. But God knows and we can commit the future to him in full assurance. In difficult time, I’ve often said this text to myself.