Category Archives: Verses, Quotes, and Inspiration

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise and Worship Every Day

What is "praise and worship"? Is it something to do on weekends or part of your daily life? These prayers will help you praise and worship God every day. #PraiseandWorship #WorshipVerses #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

What do you think of when you hear the words “praise and worship”?

Is it something you do on the weekend or the music you sing along to at home or in the car.

What if it’s more basic than that? What if praise is simply the expression of worship and worship is…

Well, let’s take a closer look at the definition of worship.

In 1828, Webster’s Dictionary defined worship as:

Worship is 1.to adore; to pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect and veneration 2. to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

And the most recent version of Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:

Worship is 1. to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power 2. to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.

Although the definitions are similar, I think the worship God wants from us is part two of the 1828 version . . . to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

It seems that Brother Lawrence could best relate to that explanation as well. He once wrote:

“To worship God is to admit that we are entirely contrary to Him and that He is willing to make us like Himself.”

You see, God knows you and I are contrary. He knows we’re not going to do life “right” not any part of it—not even worship.

Jesus told us how God wants us to worship Him.

Jesus said,

“The time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

John 4:23–24

The Life Application Bible Notes say this about Jesus’ words…

It is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. Is your worship genuine and true? Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help? How does the Holy Spirit help us worship? [He] prays for us (Romans 8:26), teaches us the words of Christ (John 14:26), and tells us we are loved (Romans 5:5).

Knowing we are loved . . . having Jesus’ example and the Spirit’s help gives us what we need to worship in Spirit and Truth!

So, today, with the Spirit’s help, we are going to lift up prayers of praise and worship.

Because…

“Worship is our response to the overtures of love from the heart of the Father.” ~Richard J. Foster

Will you join me in responding to the Father’s love by praying this prayers of praise and worship.

Simple Prayers that will Help You Praise and Worship Every Day

What is "praise and worship"? Is it something to do on weekends or part of your daily life? These prayers will help you praise and worship God every day. #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care.

Psalm 95:6–7

Father, I come to You with quiet awe and humble adoration. Your loving and watchful care surrounds me. I have nothing to fear and no need to worry because You are with me. You go before me on the paths You have prepared for me and You follow me and protect me from behind. By Your grace, I have everything I need to live this day without the baggage of yesterday or the burdens of tomorrow.

You created me for this time and place. Please use me for Your glory that everything I do and say might be a testimony of who You are and that I belong to You. By Your grace and with Your help, may my life be an act of praise and worship to You!

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

Psalm 103:1–4

Father, You are so gracious and good. You gave Your only Son, Jesus, to save me from sin, death, and satan’s power. And through all Jesus has done for me, You allow me to come to You and receive complete forgiveness and the ultimate healing of heaven.

You surround me with love and compassion, righteousness and justice. No matter what I am experiencing, You are always worthy of my praise and worship. I thank you, Lord! Please help me live each day in ways that show You, and everyone I come in contact with, how very much I love You.

O Lord, I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.

Isaiah 25:1

Lord God, I praise You. You are Lord of All. You are my Creator, Savior, and Spirit. You are the God who keeps every promise. You are the One who gives me strength and peace. You are my hope, the One who lifts me out of the pit and plants me on a solid foundation. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are my everything and I praise You.

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise You! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.

Psalm 63:3–5

Oh Father, Yes . . . this is the truth! Your love is better than life. In the wilderness, David cried out to You and then paused by Your grace to remember who You are. He knew You . . . his Shepherd, his Provider, and his Peace. (Psalm 23) You are faithful! Like David, I cling to You trusting that You are the One who holds me securely. (Psalm 63:7)

You are the God who satisfies my heart, mind, and soul and I praise You with songs of worship and joy! Great are You, Lord.

So, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1–2

Father, I give You my all. You have done so much for me. You gave me life. You sustain my life. And You promise me life eternal.

Please empower me by Your Spirit that my life might be a sacrifice of praise to You. I ask that You would help me know, trust, and obey Your will for me. Please continue to transform me into the person You want me to be, someone who is more like Jesus. Forgive for those times when I fight Your hand of change because of my foolish stubborn selfishness. I don’t want to follow the ways of the world . . . I want to follow You. Because I love You Lord. And by Your grace and with Your Spirit’s help and power . . . I pray to love You every day forever with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Because You are my Lord and Savior. You are worthy of all my praise and worship. You are the Great I AM. Amen.

What is "praise and worship"? Is it something to do on weekends or part of your daily life? These prayers will help you praise and worship God every day. #PraiseandWorship #WorshipVerses #Prayer #BibleQuotes #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Friends, I am asking God to give you everything you need to live your life as a living sacrifice . . . a life that is filled with praise and worship, and one that overflows with joy.

I want to close today with words from Chris Tomlin’s Song,
Who You Are to Me…

You’re forever Holy
You’re the Lamb who is worthy
My forgiveness (My forgiveness), my healer (My healer)
The Messiah, my Redeemer

You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door
When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
(Lord, You’re the air I breathe)
That’s who You are

You are greater, higher over it all
In Your presence, Jesus, I stand in awe
Of Your mercy, Your goodness
Lord, You’re the air that I breathe
That’s who You are to me

source: https://lyricsondemand.com/c/christomlinlyrics/whoyouaretomelyrics.html

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Powerful Verses to Pray When You are in a Battle with Addiction

Too many lives are being destroyed by the overwhelming power of addiction. Too many families are suffering in their battle with addiction. Join us in prayer. #addiction #Recovery #codependency #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Too many lives are being destroyed by the overwhelming power of addiction.

Too many families are suffering because of the pain caused by addiction.

Addiction is defined as a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance.

Researchers speak of two different types of addictions: 

  • substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking);
  • process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping eating, and sexual activity).

And an Addiction Diagnosis is based on 5 criteria:

          1. loss of willpower
          2. harmful consequences
          3. unmanageable lifestyle
          4. tolerance or escalation of use
          5. withdrawal symptoms upon quitting (Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine)

Based on that definition, I believe every family is or has been touched by addiction in some way. Everyone knows someone whose life is being controlled by its addiction’s power.

Here are a few quick facts about Addiction in America from June of this year:

  • Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.
  • Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.
  • From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug.
  • Alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion every year.
  • In 2017, 34.2 million Americans committed DUI, 21.4 million under the influence of alcohol and 12.8 million under the influence of drugs.
  • About 20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder.
  • More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.
  • Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use addictive drugs.
    Addiction Center (for more statistics, information, and help)

But although the power of addiction is great, there is a greater power … Jesus is the Power who has overcome this world’s evil. And He has invited us to come to Him in prayer with every need. Even those needs that crush our spirits and seem to be overwhelming and impossible.

So… let’s take Him at His word and go to Him on behalf of ourselves and our loved ones—those who are a battle with addiction.

Pray When You are in a Battle with Addiction

Too many lives are being destroyed by the overwhelming power of addiction. Too many families are suffering in their battle with addiction. Join us in prayer. #addiction #Recovery #codependency #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6
A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I am weak and afraid. Temptation taunts and tempts me. Some days the battle feels too great. But Jesus … I believe You are with me. You do not leave me to fight hard battles alone. You promise to to be with me and give me courage and strength when I have none of my own. You are close enough to hear my cries and hold me close. I believe that with Your help, I can be strong and courageous. I need You. Please help me Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, My loved one is hurting and fighting a terrible battle. I see them feeling helpless and alone. But Jesus … I know You are with __________. Please help them know and feel Your loving presence. Give them courage and strength. Please hold them close when they cry out to You and give them everything they need to fight this dependence. Give them victory and restore them to health. Amen.

But if we confess our sins to Him,
He is faithful and just to forgive our
sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9
A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I struggle with so much guilt and shame. The enemy continuously taunts me with my past failures. But Your Word says You are faithful. Faithful! That means always. Every time. You promise to forgive me every time I come to You in repentance. So once again, I ask You to wash me clean. Heal me by Your grace and mercy. I am so sorry. Forgive me. In Jesus name. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord God, I see __________ struggling to be free of the past. They continue to carry the guilt of past pain and failures and it hurts me to see them in so much pain. Your Word promises that when we ask You to forgive us . . . You do! Please help __________ come to You for forgiveness. Help him/her trust Your healing mercy and grace. Help them know the joy of being washed clean through Jesus.  Amen.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
He is a new creature;
the old things passed away;
behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17
A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Jesus, You can make all things new … even me. You can restore me. I’ve made a mess of things but You suffered and died to redeem me from my mess and give me a future filled with hope. With Your help, I can have a fresh start. I can rise above the pain and misery of my past, and live with joy. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I know You love _____________ even more than I do. I believe You are able to transform him/her. Please turn them around and place them on a new path. Help me trust that You are at work in my loved one’s life. Keep me from interfering and each time I start to worry, help me to return to You in prayer. Amen.

But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and
all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33
A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord God, my addiction is powerful but I believe You are more powerful. So, I ask You to help me seek You first. Please help me turn to You when I need strength. Please help me surrender my all to You, trusting that You are able to make me righteous … to take my sinfulness and make me blameless. You are able to give me everything I need. Thank you for this beautiful promise of hope. I am humbled and so very thankful. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Jesus, please help my loved one to seek You. You alone are able to meet their needs. I pray that ___________ will begin to know how much You love him/her. Please surround them with people who will point them to You. Unsettle them, Lord, until they turn to You in humble surrender. Please help them fight and with this battle with addiciont. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5–6
A Prayer for the Person in a Battle with Addiction

Lord, I surrender my heart, my addiction, my all to You. I trust that You are able to guide me today and every day in the future. You are my Healer and my Redeemer. You are my future hope and happiness. Thank you, for Your grace, mercy, and love. I trust You with all my heart. Help me stay strong as I live each day humbly dependent on You. Amen.

A Prayer for a Loved One in a Battle with Addiction

Lord Jesus, please make __________’s path straight. Help him/her find in You the recovery they so desperately need. I believe You are greater than their circumstances. I believe You are able to do the impossible. You are the God of miracles and we need a miracle. Please help __________. Please help us all. Through Your power to heal, please deliver and transform . . . that we might lift Your name in praise and live for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Too many lives are being destroyed by the overwhelming power of addiction. Too many families are suffering in their battle with addiction. Join us in prayer. #addiction #Recovery #codependency #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Friends the battle with addiction is real and painful for everyone it touches. I am praying for every one of you touched by the feelings of helplessness and fear brought on by its influence.

Remember all of Jesus’ miracles. Remember the times He delivered people who came to Him. Remember His promise that with God “all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

You are not alone in this battle with addiction. The Lord is with you and loves you.

Today, I am asking the Lord bless and comfort you. I am asking Him to hold you close and lift you and your loved ones up with His healing love as you go through this difficult time.

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Promises to Pray That Will Help When You are Grieving

It's hard to find the words to pray when you are grieving. We tend to cry "why" through exhausted tears and pain. But God gave His promises to pray. #Grief #VersestoPray #PromisesofGod #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

It seems like everywhere I look, friends and family . . . even complete strangers are overwhelmed by grief.

Covid and chaos have caused us to lose loved ones, jobs, and financial security. Isolation and emotional stress has broken relationships, worsened depression, and increased substance abuse.

The list of reasons people are grieving is growing by the day.

If you are grieving, you may be able to share your loss publicly making it possible for you to receive prayer and encouragement from the people around you.

But there are others who…

Are carrying around a personal private pain they’re unable to talk about . . . grief they don’t feel they can share.

Maybe you are one of those people. Maybe your heart is breaking and a small part of you is wondering “why” God would allow this horrible pain to touch your life.

Or maybe you know someone in that situation and you’re desperately trying to find a way to help them.

David wrote:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:18

I have to admit, although I’ve known this verse since I was a child, I didn’t always rely on it as TRUTH. Because doubt and uncertainty caused me to believe there were things that could break my heart and crush me beyond the point of rescue.

But God allowed me to experience a grief that put David’s words to the test in my life. I was crushed and alone . . . I imagine most people who experience grief feel they have to go through it alone. Grief is personal and comes with its own individualized timetable.

But our Heavenly Father is personal and individual too. He meets us in our unique circumstances and He met me in my grief.

How?

Through His Word and prayer.

As I spent time in His Word and turned to Him in surrendered prayer . . . I slowly began to heal and my trust in the Lord’s faithfulness to keep His promises grew as well.

Today, I’m sharing some of the verses and prayers God used to help me heal when I was grieving. Promises that held me through tears and reminded me of His sufficient grace, mercy, and love . . . promises that gave me hope for the future.

I’d love for you to join me. You can pray these prayers for yourself or place the name of someone you love and care for in the blanks as you pray with me.

Promises to Pray That Will Help When You are Grieving

It's hard to find the words to pray when you are grieving. We tend to cry "why" through exhausted tears and pain. But God gave His promises to pray. #Grief #VersestoPray #PromisesofGod #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

He heals the brokenhearted and
bandages their wounds.

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!

Psalm 147:3,5

Father, when my heart is broken, I trust You to be my Healer. I believe You will give me (my loved one) everything I need one day at a time.

I really hate this situation and I believe You hate it too. Pain was not Your will for Your children . . . we are sinful people in a sinful world. Thank you for Your love for us and for being great in power and understanding. Thank you for sending Jesus to give us a relationship that supplies us with everything we need to heal. I surrender my grief (__________’s grief) to You. Please help me to focus on You as You provide for us throughout this day.

He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way.
    He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses He carried;
    it was our sorrows that weighed Him down.

Isaiah 53:3–4a

Jesus, You experienced grief. You wept over the death of Your friend and in anticipation of Your own suffering and death . . . even though You knew (You know) that death is not the end for those who place their trust in You.

Thank you for carrying our weaknesses, failures, and sins to the cross. Thank you for experiencing pain and sorrow. You “understand our weaknesses. [You] were tempted in every way that we are, but [You] did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus, please walk with me (__________) through this grief and increase my faith as I place my hope in You.

Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:17,22
It's hard to find the words to pray when you are grieving. We tend to cry "why" through exhausted tears and pain. But God gave His promises to pray. #Grief #VersestoPray #PromisesofGod #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers

Father, thank you for listening to my prayers. You know my voice and even when I can’t put my prayers into words, You hear the cries of my heart. So, I bring You this burden. I lay this grief at Your feet trusting that You will hold me (__________). I believe You will keep me from slipping and falling into doubt and fear. Please fill me (__________) with Your Spirit and grant me (__________) Your peace.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Revelations 21:4

Father, I love this promise of hope for the future. No more death or sorrow or crying or pain. That is the future You promise Your children. No more tears of grief or brokenness.

You are making everything new. (Revelation 21:5) And You promise these words are true and trustworthy. With Your help, I hold Your Word close to my heart. You, Lord, are the One who fills my future with hope and promise. Thanks and praise.

 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

Oh, Father, how I love this promise. Nothing can separate Your children from Your perfect unfailing love. Not death or pain, problems or failures, fear, worry, or heartbreaking grief. Not even the enemy himself can remove us from Your loving care and compassion.

Thank you! I surrender this grief to You. The life, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, is the proof of Your unconquerable love. You surround us with a love so great it calms our fear, dries our tears, and assures our future.

Thank you, Father! You promise me a future filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) You are the source of my hope for the future . . . for healing from grief and pain because Your Word promises “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

I come to You, in Jesus’ name and I ask that You might answer my prayer that I might live each day for Your glory. Amen.

Thank you so much for praying with me. I am asking the Lord to be with you when you are grieving and give you everything you need. I have experienced His healing grace and pray that He will allow you to heal and be blessed with His perfect peace and joy.

God bless you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 of the Best Verses to Pray for Your Friends

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers #HisGraceGirls

I want to stop and celebrate the blessing of friends today.

Not our list of Facebook friends with whom we share the edited versions of our stories but the close group of people who know our real stories … those stories we keep hidden away from most of the world. I want to celebrate the people who truly know us and love us anyway.

I’ve learned there is a life truth we all need to remember. Everyone has a difficult or painful story. Everyone!

We all have a page or two in our stories that we keep tucked away because they are hard to share…

It’s been several years and yet, I can still picture every face gathered around that table like it happened last week. Seriously, I still remember where each person was sitting.

But more than our location at the table, I remember the question that invited us to share those tucked away pages of our stories…

” I WANT TO KNOW MORE, TELL ME YOUR TESTIMONY.” 

In other words, I want to know YOU – not just the pretty social media version but I want to know the parts of your story that make you … YOU!

And that’s hard, isn’t it?

It’s especially with people we don’t know well. We don’t like allowing ourselves to become vulnerable. We can’t help wondering … can I trust this person, this new friend, with my pain?

I still get emotional whenever I remember … when I think about that night and yes, even now, years later … because those girls are Romans 12 to me.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

Romans 12:9–10, 15

I BELIEVE WE ALL WANT ROMANS 12 FRIENDSHIPS BUT IT’S HARD, ISN’T IT?

But we’re afraid.

Somehow that night, God gave us the courage to trust each other … to open up and share those pages that we typically kept locked away.

And it quickly became evident that the Lord was there with us…

“If two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:20

Because He was with us, we saw Jesus’ love in each other’s eyes, and one friend after another we told our stories. We cried. We laughed. We encouraged. We loved.

That’s friendship! That’s what we all want. Friends who love like Jesus!

So, today I want to pray for our friends and our friendships and I’d love for you to join me…

5 of the Best Verses to Pray for Your Friends

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Father, thank you for creating us to live in community. Thank you for knowing that the love of friends is an important part of our lives. You have instilled in us a need for companionship and You have established in us the ability to be kind to each other. You have made it possible for us to set aside our selfishness so that we might show compassion. You have given us an example of forgiveness and then You give us the ability to forgive one another.

Your grace shines in my friendships. Thank you for blessing me with beautiful souls who love You and love like You. They make every day better! Thank you Lord the gift of my beautiful friends!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Father, I want to be a better encourager. I try … but I know I could do more. It’s so easy to be selfish or get distracted. Please forgive me.

By Your grace and with Your help, may I love like Jesus. May I be the one who builds up my friends. May I remind them of the ways I see You in them. May I faithfully pray for them. May I take the time to know them and love them as You love them.

Thank you for covering my failures with Your grace and mercy. Help me generously cover my hurts and disappointments with the love You pour into my life. May I always give the same forgiving love to my friends that I want them to give to me … that You give to us.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

Romans 12:10–11

Father, what a blessing to have friends who are filled with the love of Christ Jesus. Friends who don’t just pretend to love … but who love with genuine kindness and humility.

Please be with my friend as they walk with You. Please hold them close as they journey through the highs and lows of life. Give them courage and strength for the battles they face. Give them peace to replace anxiety, hope to replace worry, and faith when doubts creep in. And more than anything, faithfully remind them that whatever they face today or in the future … nothing can separate them from Your love. (Romans 8:38) You are with them now as You will be forever. (Matthew 28:20)

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12–15

Father, I need Your help. I want to consistently wear a wardrobe of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience but I fall so far short every day. I have to admit that I want my friends to be patient and forgiving of my faults when I can be short on patience and forgiveness myself.

You are so patient and merciful to me. You have blessed me with wonderful friends. I realize when I fail to love the way You want me to love … it has more to do with me than it has to do with them.

Please fill me with the love of Christ Jesus. Please make His love be what guides, guards, and rules in my heart. Thank you for each one of the beautiful people who have brought into my life. Love them, Father, through me.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:11–12

Oh, Father, thank you! I see Your love in my friends! You show Yourself in their lives … the way they humbly serve others, the way they listen and encourage, the way they care with compassion, the way they offer help and hope, and the way they forgive, and the way they love.

Each friend is a precious gift! Thank you! Please bless my friends today, Lord. Meet every need. Give them strength and courage for every battle they face. And cover them the power of Your promises and love. By Your grace and for Your glory shine Your light in them and through them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers #HisGraceGirls

Finally, pray for your friends by name.

Stop for a moment today and….

Thank God for the people with whom you have been able to share the hard pages of your story. The friends who wanted to know the real YOU and have continued to love you just the way you are.

The friends who walk beside you when life is great, who hold out their hand when you need hope for the future and maybe even give you a little nudge when you need to leave the past in the past.

Thank God for the blessing of friends. Life just wouldn’t be the same without them!

I’m praying you are blessed today with much joy, as you think about and celebrate your friends.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Promises That Will Give You Hope When You Need It Most

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Terrorism, politics, illness, heartbreak, loss, and pandemics…

Sometimes this broken world feels like it’s too much … too painful. Too hard.

Then I stop and remember Solomon’s words:

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

Nothing’s new. It’s all happened before.

No, I’m not trying to totally depress you, especially when I promised you hope.

But the truth is … our hope is not in this broken world. Our hope is in Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus stepped into a painfully dark and broken time in history. Roman dominance. Temple dissension. Hurting broken people.

Remember … there’s nothing new under the sun.

But Jesus came to give us something new. A NEW that He alone could give.

New life. Changed life. Purposeful life. Redeemed life. Abundant life. Eternal life.

History may repeat itself. But the truths and promises of the newness you and I have in Jesus are only repeated as they become new lives in people who turned to Him in faith.

And that is what gives us hope. Real, renewing, and lasting hope. Promises of hope!

It’s a hope that reminds us we can trust every promise about Jesus that was ever made. So, let’s surround ourselves with Jesus’ hope today.

Let’s lay down our fears, anger, frustration, and hopelessness as we embrace the truth of promises that are forever true. Promises that give us eternal hope no matter what is happening in the world around us.

Having these promises we can count on in this nothing new under the sun world changes everything. Because under the Son, our everything is full of hope through His grace, mercy, and love.

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

20 Promises of Jesus that will Give You Hope

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” John 4:26

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16–17

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“I am the good shepherd. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:11, 27–30

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.” John 14:27–28

“I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” John 15:26

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” John 17:20

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2–3

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:17–18

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelations 22:12–13

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Praying the Promises of Hope

Father, Thank you so much for loving us so much that the moment we sinned You had a plan to save us. You Word says You love us so much that You gave Your only Son to save us … the highest price You could possibly pay. All because of love!

Thank you for Your Word! You want us to KNOW You. You want us to live each day knowing we are safe and secure in Jesus. He is the WAY of Life, He is the TRUTH we need for Life, and He is LIFE itself. He gives us the promise of eternal life and the blessing of a full and abundant life now.

Today, I come to You for rest. I bring You the junk of my life. Please forgive me for the ways I have failed to follow Your will and change me into the person You want me to be. I believe Your way is best. I want to trust and obey You in everything I do and say. I want my thoughts to be focused on Jesus, the One who is the source of my faith and the One who strengthens me and gives me all I need each day.

So, I’m pausing to thank and praise You! By Your grace, it is well with my soul. Help me live this day for Your glory. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Friend, I’m asking God to bless you today! I’m asking Him to hold you close and surround you with the love of Jesus as He reminds you that in Him … you have everything you need. His promises are true and His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful to keep His promises of hope.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Want Stronger Faith – Pray Jesus’ Truth

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

What do you do when life is uncertain and you are struggling with feelings of vulnerability?

It’s interesting to be living at a time of collective uncertainty.

But the truth is … everyone experiences that vulnerable feeling from time to time.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve thought about the words spoken by the father of the “demon-possessed” boy … a desperate man who just wanted his son to be healed.

Talk about feeling vulnerable.

This father brought his desperation to the disciples but they couldn’t help. So, as Jesus came down from the Mountain of Transfiguration He was met with a group of arguers trying to figure out what to do next.

Jesus surveyed the crowd and asked a few questions, and after answering a few details about his son, the father pleads…

“Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

Mark 9:22

Jesus replied…

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Anything is possible if a person believes.”

Mark 9:23

The father’s response always grabs my attention and my heart…

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

Can you relate to these words, too? When you are desperate for answers and solutions? When life feels shaky?

But that’s the point. The father didn’t take his son and leave. He didn’t give up in despair. He took the faith he had and trusted Jesus.

So, that’s what I’m doing today. I’m going to Jesus and asking Him for His mercy and help. I’m honestly admitting that I feel vulnerable.

I’m praying the words of Jesus, asking Him to give me peace and hope because when I feel vulnerable, I need stronger faith. Faith that truly believes the promise that … “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

I’d love for you to pray with me…

When You Want Stronger Faith – Pray Jesus’ Truth

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9

Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. I can’t imagine trying to do even a moment of my life without the hope You give.

It’s why I love this father’s hopeful prayer. Like him…

I do believe, but when I’m overwhelmed by problems and everywhere I turn people are fearful and worried … doubt creeps in and challenges me. I need Your help, Lord. Please fill me with Your Spirit, help me remember the countless ways You have been with me in the past, and flood my heart and mind with the truths of Your unfailing promises.

Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.

Matthew 7:24–25

Lord Jesus, I want to be wise. I want to listen to and follow Your teaching. I want “solid rock” faith. Your Word tells me to “be still and know” You. (Psalm 46:10) Please fill me with a desire to spend time with You by reading and studying Your Word … by sitting with You in prayer. Please quiet my spirit and help me fix my thoughts on Your truth.

Help me “keep my eyes on” You, the author and perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2) Help me fix my “thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. And think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8) With Your Spirit’s help, I believe those things will help me through life’s storms.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. 

John 14:15–17a

Lord, I do love You … yet, I know I fall short of perfectly obeying your commandments. Please forgive me. I’ve prayed to know Your truth. I’ve asked You to help me love You with all that I am. I’ve called out for Your help to be able to trust and obey Your perfect will.

Because I know that I am unable to do any of those things on my own. I need Your Spirit’s help. I surrender myself to You, Lord. Guide me. Fill me. Teach me Your truth. Keep me so focused on You that the world’s lies and temptations have no power over me.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31–32

Lord, You are the TRUTH that sets me free.

By Your grace, I am no longer a slave to sin and I am free from the eternal consequences of my sin.

You free me from the lies I tell myself and the lies satan uses to tempt me. You make me free to live each day with hope and joy because I am forgiven and redeemed for all eternity. You give me freedom to love as I have been loved.

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to just know Your truth … I want to live Your truth. Please help me follow where You lead. Help me faithfully obey You … without doubts or questions but trusting that every Word is true. May I say like the Psalmist: “Every word of God holds true and we can trust everything He does.” (Psalm 33:4)  Amen.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

Lord, I pray that You will help me be an encourager. I want everyone to know and love You. I want them to live with the freedom You give. I want them to know the blessings of loving You and obeying Your commands. I want them to experience peace, joy, patience, and hope. And most of all, I want them to enjoy the blessing of Your presence … to rest in the truth that no matter what happens in this life, they will never have to face it alone. You will be with them.

Your grace is sufficient. When I am weak, You give me the strength I need. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You guide by Your truth and help my faith to grow. Thank you! I worship and praise You and ask that by Your grace, I might live for Your glory today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.

It's easy to relate to the father who said, Lord, "I believe, help me overcome my unbelief." When we want stronger faith, we need to pray Jesus' truth and ask for His help. #Faith #Jesus #PrayScripture #Hope #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

You know, I’ve learned something important in recent months…

I’ve learned I have to be careful about what I consume—what I listen to, watch, and read. I have to think carefully about the discussions I have.

If I want to have stronger faith and know and pray Jesus’ truths … I have to focus on who He is and all He’s done.

You have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1–2

When I feel vulnerable and my heart cries…

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

The promise I have … the promise you have, is that we are not on our own when we want to have stronger faith.

When you and I want to have a rock-solid foundation built on the truths of Jesus. We have the promise that we have been hidden with Christ in God. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us know and…

Pray Jesus’ truth.

And that’s awesome news!

Because of Jesus, you and I can surrender each day, even when that day feels vulnerable and uncertain. We can be confident that we will be given everything we need to live in faith with hope and joy.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You are Afraid of the Unknown

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It’s hard, isn’t it?

Delving into the unknown. Waiting and wondering.

At the moment, it’s hitting us all. People all over the world are watching and listening … uncertain about what the future will bring.

It’s really no different than usual. It’s just that this time we have a common subject.

But every day, all over the world people are uncertain and afraid of the unknown … questioning:

  • the results of a medical test.
  • the job layoff.
  • the teen whose attitude and behavior changed suddenly.
  • the spouse who has become more distant and detached.
  • why the person they love began ghosting them.
  • how they’ll pay their rent or feed their family.

And at one time, you didn’t even know that someday you might be afraid of a global pandemic.

Paul wrote the following in his second letter to Timothy…

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

And we know it’s true.

Fear of the unknown is not from God!

Because it’s really not unknown.

Jesus said,

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

John 16:33b

Those words themselves used to terrify me. I didn’t want to face trials and sorrows. Although, I knew they were “here on earth,” I knew I didn’t want them to touch me.

But they did touch me and that’s when the rest of Jesus’ words became necessary and real for me.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me … but take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33a,c

Jesus has won the victory over our trials and sorrows. He has given us His eternal promises that are absolute and unchanging to give us His peace.

Paul wrote this about the kind of peace Jesus gives.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Other translations call it the peace that:

  • reassures the heart.
  • is the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ.
  • will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings.
  • transcends comprehension.
  • goes beyond anything we can imagine.
  • is beyond human understanding.
  • is too wonderful to understand.

I want that when I’m afraid of the unknown, don’t you?

Paul told us how … in the verse before the one which says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.“

He wrote:

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

2 Timothy 1:6

That gift … is the gift of faith. Paul had just reminded Timothy of the great faith he saw in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. A faith he said … “now lives in you also.”

So, now that we know 1) we want that kind of sincere strong faith and 2) it’s what we need when we are afraid of the unknown—what do we do?

How do you and I get that kind of faith?

I believe we do what Paul told Timothy to do. We “fan into flames the gift of faith God has given us. We pray that He will help us turn to and trust His promises and give us the peace that is too wonderful to understand.

So, I’m praying today … and I’d love for you to pray with me.

5 Verses to Pray When You are Afraid of the Unknown

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27

Jesus, You promised to leave Your followers the gift of peace of mind and heart. You also said that it is a peace the world can never give us. And yet, we foolishly look for our peace in countless things the world offers us. But the truth is … everything the world has to offer, the good and the bad, is temporary.

Lord, please help me focus my heart and mind on the truth of Your Word. I pray Your Spirit will prompt me to bring every unknown fear to You in prayer; and that He will imprint Your forever promises on my soul.

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1, 10–11

Father, I love this promise. You are my safe place. You are the One who gives me strength when my own is depleted. And when I doubt or wonder how You will give me what I need this time. When I feel this time my fear is too great … You say, Be still and know! Look around. See what I’m doing. See what I’ve done. I am the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing is impossible for Me. Be still and know that I AM God!

Please give me everything I need to rest in You.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Lord, guard my heart and mind. I admit that I am worried about __________. I come to You … asking You to meet this need today.

Thank you for all the times You have helped and protected me in the past. Some of which I’m aware and some known only to You.

Please help me to trust Your perfect timing and give me what I need to experience Your peace each day. Fill me with faith, hope, and love as I entrust my cares and concerns to You.

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in You,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Isaiah 26:3

Perfect peace! I want that Lord. I want to be kept in Your perfect peace. So, I ask You to fill me with Your Spirit. Help me fix my thoughts on You. Help me remember all You have done for me in the past. Help me think about all the times you have given me peace and strength. Help me keep in mind the truth that many of the things I’ve worried about have never happened.

Help me focus on who You are! You are the God who saves me and gives me everything I need. Your grace is sufficient. You are Lord of my life, the One in whom I place my trust today, tomorrow, and forever.

No one knows the future and sometimes things happen that make us afraid of the unknown; so, I'm praying to the One who reigns over whatever lies ahead. #Prayer #Hope #Faith #FearoftheFuture #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35,39

Oh, Father, I love this promise!

Nothing can separate me from Jesus’ love! No trouble. No problem. No crisis. Even if I’m being persecuted, lied about, rejected, or betrayed. When it feels like I don’t have enough or I’m afraid of the unknown. You are always with me.

Nothing in the known or unknown world can stop Your love for me. Isaiah wrote, “This is what the Lord said, ‘From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.'” (Isaiah 43:13) I am Yours forever.

When I am afraid … hold me in the palm of Your hand and remind me that I am always safe when I rest in Your love.

And finally, one more thing I’m praying for you and for me…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Because whatever He allows, the Lord Himself is able to give us everything we need to live with joy, peace, and hope … fully trusting in His all-sufficient love, grace, and mercy.

May God bless you abundantly as you trust Him with the unknown.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Our grandson loves math.

I get it! I love math, too.

We were talking about his love for math the other night and he told me it’s his favorite because it is logical and consistent.

Then he said, “Words are harder … with language you have to figure out things like there, their, and they’re. It’s confusing.”

I then told him about working on this post about being bold and how I was learning that there are different definitions for the word and that boldness can be both a good thing and a foolish thing.

And then he said, “And in writing, bold is thick. So people could basically think you’re telling them to get thick … or fatter.”

Is it any wonder we struggle to understand each other?

Boldness is defined as having the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers.

And that’s why being bold can be good but it can also be foolish. Without wisdom, you and I can speak or act too quickly and bring about disaster for ourselves and the people around us.

I want to be bold with wisdom!

I want the courage to boldly speak the truth and live my faith but I can’t do either wisely without God’s help.

I need the Holy Spirit…

  1. To help me know the truth.
  2. To give me the wisdom to know what to say and do.
  3. To guide me and help me know when and how to speak or act.

Those things take the faithful study of God’s Word to know His truth and prayer to ask Him to give me wisdom and guidance.

So once again, I’m going to the Word and I’m praying … I’d love for you to join me.

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 

Ephesians 3:11

Lord, how can I begin to thank you? You know everything about me … inside and out. You know that I’m a foolish mess who desperately needs Your help and counsel. And lovingly invite me to boldly and confidently come to You in prayer with any concern and every need.

Thank you! Your gracious love overwhelms me. When I am weak; make me bold. When I am confused; give me wisdom. When I lack confidence; remind me of Your unfailing love.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)

Father, I want to be bold for You … but before I can be bold for You and for Your truth, I need to need to know You. I need Your truth imprinted on my heart and in my mind. And I need to be lead by Your love.

Please guard my heart and watch over my thoughts. Help me focus on all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help me think about things that excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) Help me focus on the truth that makes me bold and by Your grace, help me boldly and lovingly share Your truth in all I say and do.

And please pray for me. Pray that truth will be with me before I even open my mouth. Ask the Spirit to guide me while I boldly defend the mystery that is the good news—for which I am an ambassador in chains—so pray that I can bravely pronounce the truth, as I should do.

Ephesians 6:19–20 (VOICE)

Lord, I pray that You will move in me and create an overwhelming desire to SEEK You first in my life … that Your truth may be with and within me. I want to always be ready to boldly act and speak in ways that will inspire and encourage everyone I meet to want what I have. I want them all to know and love You … to know how much You know and love them.

Lord, I ask that You will pour Your love into my life and fill me up to overflowing that I might courageously pour Your love out to others. Open my eyes, my heart, my mind … that I might love like Jesus.

When I called, You answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.

Psalm 138:3 (GW)

Oh, Father, I love that I can come to You at any time from any place. And wherever I am, whatever my need … when I cry out to You, You hear and answer me.

Today, I’m asking You to strengthen me and make me bold. Place a hedge of Your protection around my soul. Be my hope and my encouragement. When the days are long and the journey is hard, please give me all I need to boldly live in faith one moment at a time.

This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.

Colossians 1:9

Lord, this is my prayer … that You will help Your children know what You want them to do. Give us all a passion for Your Word and work in us a desire to humbly surrender our stubborn wills to You.

Your Word says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5) We need Your wisdom. I need Your wisdom.

I need the wisdom to know when to be bold for You and when to be still and let You do what only You can do. I love You, Lord. I surrender this day to You. By Your grace, help me and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It can be hard to be bold.

It’s even harder to be bold with wisdom.

It’s often easier to either sit on the sidelines or boldly share the popular opinions of the world.

But you and I are called by God to be bold with wisdom.

Paul said it this way…

God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong. God has chosen what is weak and foolish of the world, what is hated and not known, to destroy the things the world trusts in. In that way, no man can be proud as he stands before God. God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins.

1 Corinthians 1:27–30 (NLV)

And my friend, through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can trust God to give us everything we need to be bold with wisdom.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Need to Pray for Freedom and Happiness

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult?

Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything.

Freedom seems like a wishful dream and happiness, well there are days when our exhaustion and lack of freedom make happiness feel elusive as well.

But the Bible says…

If the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

John 8:36

So, what is the complete freedom you and I can have through faith in Jesus?

It is:

  1. Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. Romans 8:23–24
  2. Freedom from slavery to sin. Romans 6:16
  3. Freedom from the lies we tell ourselves.  1 John 1:8–9
  4. Freedom from trying to earn God’s favor and grace. Romans 11:6
  5. Freedom from the power of Satan. James 4:7
  6. Freedom to choose our own path. Galatians 5:13
  7. Freedom to follow Jesus. Colossians 2:6–7
  8. Freedom that lasts forever. 1 John 5:13

The freedom that Jesus gives us is freedom from the penalty and guilt and shame of sin. It’s not freedom from responsibility but…

By God’s grace, it is the freedom to live fully and serve joyfully. It is the freedom we have with God’s help to know what to do in order to enjoy life with love, joy, peace, patience, etc…

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22–23

And as far as I’m concerned, if I can face my responsibilities with the Spirit’s help because of the freedom I have in Christ Jesus; well, that sounds like happiness to me.

So, I’m praying and asking God to assure me once again that with His help, I have the freedom that gives happiness. I’m asking the Lord to help me stop trying to SEEK stuff and please people but to surrender my all to Him that I might fully embrace the freedom and joy of His promises today and every day.

I’d love for you to join me.

Prayers for Freedom and Happiness

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31–32

Lord, please help me know and trust Your truth that leads to freedom. My heart’s desire is to be your faithful and obedient disciple. The world tries to tell me that following Your commands is restrictive … enslaving me to a set of rules. The truth, Your truth, tells me that sin, guilt, and shame are the things that hold my heart and mind in bondage.

Help me remember that I live under Your love and that frees me to love You and others and to live with strength, courage, joy, and peace. Yes, Lord, Your grace is sufficient. By Your grace, help me surrender each day and live faithful to Your teachings for Your glory. Amen.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
    and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?

Psalm 118:5–6

Father, what an amazing blessing to be able to bring the burden of my failures and brokenness to You in repentance … trusting Your promise to forgive me. Your Word proclaims “through Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 13:38) Through Jesus, my fear is gone and my hope for the future is secure. Jesus alone is the freedom I need. He is the freedom that gives me happiness. Thank you, Father.

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Romans 6:14

Father, by the power of Your Spirit, You give me the strength I need to set safe boundaries and fight temptation. You give me all I need to follow You because I want to not because I have to. You have given me free will, the ability to obey or reject Your Word … because You want me to receive Your grace, mercy, and love with gratitude and joy.

And I do. I love You, Lord! I praise and worship You.

For the blessing of living under Your grace frees me to love You and others … and Father, a life full of love is a life full of happiness. Thank you!

God sent Him [Jesus] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.

Galatians 4:5

Lord Jesus, how can I begin to thank you for suffering my punishment for me. You accomplished what I cannot … so that I might be forgiven, redeemed, and rescued. You made it possible for me to be called the Father’s very own child.

A child who can approach the Father at any time, who can rest secure in the Father’s love, trust His care and provision, live with the strength and courage He gives, and enjoy the peace that passes understanding and hope that will not disappoint. Thank you, Lord Jesus, in and through You … I have everything I need.

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

Psalm 92:4

Yes, Lord, You thrill me! You have set me free. You give me everything I need each day. Because of all that You have done for me, I am called precious, beloved, cherished, holy, and victorious. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free! And that’s all I need to be happy!

Thank you for the gifts of freedom and happiness. Your love overwhelms me. Please help me, live with gratitude in ways that show the world the blessings of knowing and loving You. By Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, freedom and happiness are possible.

The freedom you and I have in Christ makes us free to live our lives the way God intended.

We are free to live under His grace, mercy, and love … knowing we are forgiven and claimed as His very own children. We can trust that we really do have everything we need to live with courage and strength in victory one day at a time.

I don’t know about you, but I believe if all of me could believe all of that 100% of the time … I would enjoy the happiness I want.

So, that is my prayer and I believe that by God’s grace, His truth will become more and more true in my life as I rest in His Word and trust His love.

I’m praying that for you, too!

Finally, a quote from C. S. Lewis says it better than I can…

If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. ~ C. S. Lewis

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

A Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love the beginning of a new year.

A clean calendar. A fresh start in Genesis.

It always feels like a do-over for…

Resolutions. Goals. Hopes. Promises.

That’s typically how I feel on December 30th and 31st. Sometimes the feeling lingers a little and I can carry in through January 1st, 2nd, and maybe even the 3rd. But inevitably, I always come to that moment of realization that no matter how hard I’m trying to maintain that “clean fresh” start … I fail. I mess up. As I bring the junk of the past year into the new one.

And maybe that’s the problem.

Did you catch that one phrase … “no matter how hard I’m trying?”

Maybe it’s not so much about “trying” as it is about surrendering.

John wrote the following words in Revelation 21:

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

verse 5

Our ascended Lord and Savior gives us the hope we need … not only for our eternal future but for our today and tomorrow as well—for the new year ahead.

David wrote:

Praise the Lord!
    For He has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 28:6–7

That’s exceptional news on December 30th and on January 3rd.

The Lord hears our repentant cries for mercy, forgives us of our flaws and failures, and gives us the strength we need. You and I can trust Him to help us when we surrender each day to Him.

So, today I’m praying and asking the Lord to give me all I need to faithfully follow trust and follow Him in the new year. I’m asking Him to be my hope for the New Year. I’d love for you to join me.

A Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
    and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5–6

Father, Please help me. I want to trust You with all my heart and I believe that with Your Spirit at work within me I will have all I need to surrender my heart, mind, and soul completely to You.

I believe You will help me SEEK Your will and give me everything I need to follow the path You set before me. My faith is in You, Lord. I lay my life before You as an offering to be used by Your grace for Your glory.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:22–24

Father, Thank you! Because of Jesus, I can begin the new year trusting that Your mercy covers my sin. I can leave the struggles and failures of the past in the past and I can go into the future knowing I have been made new. I can go into the year ahead with hope trusting that You will give me whatever I need to face whatever You allow. I can get up every morning confident that I am secure in Your faithful never-ending love. By Your grace, I am healed and whole. By Your grace, I am full of hope.

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Father, Please imprint these words on my heart and mind. I have been made new in Christ Jesus. My old sinful selfish life is gone as I surrender myself to Your Spirit’s transforming work in my life.

Because of Jesus, I can run to You with my concerns, problems, failures, and emotions. I trust Your grace, mercy, and love. I believe in and with You, my new life can be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I believe I can live each day full of hope and joy. Thanks and praise now and forever.

[Jabez] was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Father, thank you for wanting me to know this simple humble prayer. And thank you for allowing me to know that it is a request You granted.

So, I join with Jabez and pray…

Father God, please bless me and increase my opportunities to serve You. Some days it can be hard to live in this broken and fallen world. Please be with me in all that I say and do; protect me from evil and keep me safe as I face life’s challenges. Please guard my heart and mind and bless me this day, in Jesus’ name.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23:1–6

Father, Thank you that I can come to You completely dependent on Your direction, protection, and provision. May I be a faith-filled obedient follower of Your will … confident that You will always lead me to the best place in the right ways.

I believe whatever You allow in the year ahead, I will not have to face it alone … You will go with me giving me everything I need. I have nothing to fear for Your grace is sufficient for anything I am permitted to endure.

Father, I trust Your grace, mercy, and love are with me every day of my life and I believe Your promise that I will spend an endless beautiful forever in Your presence. Thanks and praise now and forever. I am gifted this day by Your grace, may I live it full of hope and for Your glory. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love this quote…

“Let’s make one resolution this year: to anchor ourselves to God’s grace.”

Churck Swindoll

Of all the resolutions you and I make for a new year, there is really only one we need.

To be attached securely to God’s grace found in Jesus.

One resolution. One grace. One Savior.

May your year be filled with the love of Christ Jesus … the One in whom we have everything we need to live full of hope.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year.

Finances and relationships.

It’s funny how we get it into our heads that this year we need to do everything we can to make our memories perfect. And for many of us, that means all of our loved ones blissfully gathered together around an amply piled Christmas tree.

Now, I’ll be one of the first to admit – that loving relationships are important and part of God’s desire for us. And I’ll also admit that this time of year makes our broken relationships even more painful. And I know that giving gifts at Christmas is one of the ways we express that love.

I’m also aware that many of the problems people are praying about are greater than gifts and gatherings. It’s just that the Christmas season tends to make us even more aware of what’s lacking in those areas of our lives.

And I wonder if we aren’t all tempted to put a bit of our Christmas focus on what’s less important. I wonder if we expect people and things to fill a hole in us that only God Himself is able to satisfy?

What if we’re hoping God will fix our circumstances … forgetting that He has already given us everything we need in and through Jesus to fix everything in our lives forever.

So, I’m pausing from all the planning and preparations and praying for HOPE. I’m praying to let go of the less important to focus on the One who is the hope of Christmas … Jesus!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:22

Father, my prayer is that You alone might be my source of hope. The hope You give is the confidence that I can trust Your promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise You have ever made. He is the Living realization of Your love and through Your Spirit … Your unfailing love surrounds me.

You show me through Your Word and the details of my life that I am secure when I place my trust in Jesus, the promise and source of my salvation.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Luke 2:10–11

Father, I try to imagine what that night must have been like. The night the Word in flesh took His first breath of earthly air. The night Your Garden promise was fulfilled.

As I celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few days, please settle my heart and mind on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me focus on the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord … the One who gave up everything to give me hope I can count on. Hope that is the assurance of Your grace, mercy, and love.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Oh Father, how I love these words of Jesus. It’s so tempting to worry about our finances and relationships. This world is broken and too often it robs me of my peace and contentment … things You want for me. Things You invite me to bring to You. Things You want me to bring to You. Things You offer to help me carry.

Thank you! I bring You every concern and burden and ask You to replace it with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory.

God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6:17–18

Father, Your promises are sure and unchanging. I can count on You and trust Your Word. I can rest secure in Jesus … the Way, Truth, and Life. So, I run to the safety of Your embrace confident that I can place my hope in You … not just for today, but for the New Year, and for the rest of forever.

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:21–23

Father, I will hold this promise close to my heart whenever I am tempted by doubt and fear. I will remember with hope…

Your unfailing love is perfect and lasting. Your mercy covers every part and every moment of my life. Your grace makes it possible for me to know with certainty that my problems are temporary … that Your grace is sufficient to give me hope when life overwhelms me.

I will hold on to the hope I have in Jesus, the promised One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End … the One who came to earth to live the perfect life I am unable to live and suffered the death I deserve that He might rise again to give me life forever with You.

That is grace and mercy. That is Jesus. That is HOPE in the One who is Christmas! My thanks and worship and praise are Yours forever and always. Amen.

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m Praying for Hope for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed by expectations you are putting on yourself or disappointed by your circumstances or the choices of others, know that this is my prayer for you today…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

May your celebration be blessed by the One who is Christmas.

You see the meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s Mass. He is the reason we celebrate. He is the gift that will last forever. He is the source of our hope!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore.

Behold!

Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch.

But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day and I can watch an entire show while texting, online shopping, or perusing social media.

Because like everyone else, I’m typically multi-tasking in a rush to get things done.

So, this simple word grabbed my attention. Because to really “behold” something means to stop and gaze … to fix my eyes and my attention on something.

Beholding is so much more than just glancing as I hurry by, it’s actually pausing long enough to allow the object or idea to touch me.

You and I are so accustomed to life happening fast – especially at Christmastime … that I’ve decided I need a pause. So, I’m challenging myself to take some time to Stop and BEHOLD GOD’S BLESSINGS!

I’m praying and asking God to help me fix my attention on the things He wants me to behold … beautiful blessings of His grace, mercy, and love that change everything at Christmas and every other day of the year. Oh, and on and on into forever, too!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Behold, the eye of the Lord 
is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Psalm 33:18,22 (NKJV)

Father, thank you!

In this crazy busy time of the year, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the activities and my long list of self-imposed things I tell myself I need to do. Please forgive me and help me behold Your blessings. Help me focus on the things that matter to You. Help me SEEK YOU FIRST in spite of life’s demands and distractions.

Because no matter what is going on in my life … I can count on the blessing that You are watching over me. I love you, Lord! I trust Your love and I put my life and my hope in Your grace and mercy.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Father, these simple words always grab my heart. The miracle – a Son, Your Son … He could have been born anywhere to anyone. Jesus could have left the glories of heaven and entered into the luxuries of earth. He could have joined the rich and powerful. But your plan of love from the beginning chose a humble virgin from a modest family.

And by the power of Your Spirit through Mary, the Word became flesh. God became Man, taking on human limitations to do what we were unable to do for ourselves. You sacrificed yourself to give us life! The best news in the world is … “God with us.” Lived among us. Died our death. And rose to give us life forever. Thank you! Thank you!

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:10–11, 13–14 (NKJV)

Oh, Father, I want to pause and behold this sight. I want to picture what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds standing in that field on a typically quiet night when suddenly the angel proclamation became a massive heavenly choir praising You for Your holy gift.

May I live each day in anticipation of the day when I will personally behold Your glory filling the skies. Fill me with humble faith that I might live surrendered to You today and trust Your forever promises for the future.

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Luke 24:38–39 (NKJV)

And Father, when life is hard and doubts arise please help me pause and behold my risen Savior, Jesus. Help me remember all He has done for me. Help me remember His promises and follow His teachings and examples. Help me behold His sacrificial love that changes everything.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection … I am forgiven and free. I am redeemed. I am Your child. I am treasured. I am loved. And I have an eternal future filled with hope.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Father, Because of Jesus, You are making me a new creation. I have Your Spirit with and within me. Because of Jesus, I am blessed with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Because of Jesus … my past is behind me, my guilt is gone, and my future is secure. I am able to live each day confident that through Your all-sufficient grace I have everything I need to live with hope today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I am Yours. Thank you! Amen.

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Our hope, my hope rests on God’s promise of a perfect eternal future in His presence. So, I want to stop one last time today to BEHOLD His Revelation Promise!

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 21:3–6

I’m stopping to pray that the thought of beholding what we have received through God’s gift of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, blesses you today and every day for the rest of your life.

God bless you as you stop and behold!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Celebrate Jesus, the One Who is the Great “I AM”

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I absolutely love John’s Gospel. In fact, I read it multiple times each year.

And every time I do, I feel myself being wrapped in God’s love.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 1:1–5

Jesus

God, Creator, Giver of Life and Light
The WORD

The Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14

Jesus

God became man that we might fully know Him … He came to save us from our sinful nature and make it possible for us to know and love Him intimately and personally.

So today, I want to stop for a few moments to simply look at Jesus’ “I AM” verses … and the things The Word in the flesh told us about Himself.

Things Jesus, the Great “I AM,” Said About Himself

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

Then the high priest asked Him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Mark 14:61-62

“Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” Luke 24:39

Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” John 4:26

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

“Unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!” John 8:58

“I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25

“I tell you this beforehand so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah.” John 13:19

 “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2-3

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.” John 14:6-7

Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. John 14:11

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” John 17:20

“Who are you looking for?” He asked. “Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied. “I am He,” Jesus said. [And] they all drew back and fell to the ground! John 18:4–6

Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” John 18:37

I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.“ And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’” Acts 22:7-8

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

“I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation 1:18

 “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one will take away your crown.” Revelation 3:11

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Revelations 21:5

Jesus told us a lot about who He is in comments that begin, "I AM." You and I can trust that Jesus was and is who He says He is - the Great I AM! #Jesus #Christmas #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

The Word in flesh … Jesus!

The Life Application Notes introduce the Book of John this way…

HE SPOKE, and galaxies whirled into place, stars burned in the heavens, and planets began orbiting their suns—words of awesome, unlimited, unleashed power.

Eternal, infinite, unlimited—He was, is, and always will be the Maker and Lord of all that exists.

And Jesus, the Maker and Lord of all said…

“I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.”

John 15:9

Whatever you or I experience today – we can know with confidence that the Lord of the Universe loves us so much He gave up everything for us. His promises are sure and lasting. He is worthy of our complete trust.

He is the source of love…

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Just ask John … the one who sat closest to Him as He walked and taught, suffered and died, rose and ascended to show people like you and me just how very much we are loved by the Lord of all that exists.

God bless you! May you rest in the peace of His promises today and always.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

When You Want to Thank God for the Gift of Hope

When I've prayed and prayed and waited and waited, when life is hard and circumstances frighten me ... I'm praying and thanking God for the gift of hope. #Prayer #Blessings #Hope #Faith #Godlovesyou

I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about hope.

You see, I’d never really stopped to think about the differences between the way secularists and people of faith perceive hope.

For the secularist, hope is based solely on the strength of their inner desires and the belief that they will achieve or receive the things they want.

But for the person of faith, hope is based on the promises of God and given as a gift of grace through faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote…

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

Romans 8:24–25

I love that!

It means you and I don’t have to suck it up and generate hope on our own when life is hard and we’re overwhelmed. We can go to God in prayer and ask Him to give us the hope we need.

Paul also wrote…

God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.

Hebrews 6:17–18

That place where our prayers reach God’s heart … where you and I can run for comfort, strength, and hope when life is hard.

And the Father who loves us is faithful to give us exactly what we need.

When I watch the news and see people floundering to find secular answers to change a broken world, trying countless worldly ways wishing one of them will bring the peace and satisfaction they “hope” for.

But nothing does.

Because the hope that is able to change lives is given by God and I don’t know about you, but for me, when life is hard or when I’ve prayed and prayed and waited and waited … I’m thankful for God’s gift of hope.

Will join me today and thank God for His grace in giving us the gift of hope?

Verses to Pray When You Want to Thank God for the Gift of Hope

When I've prayed and prayed and waited and waited, when life is hard and circumstances frighten me ... I'm praying and thanking God for the gift of hope. #Prayer #Blessings #Hope #Faith #Godlovesyou

I find rest in God;
    only He gives me hope.
He is my rock and my salvation.
    He is my defender;
    I will not be defeated.

Psalm 62:5–6

Father, Thank you for the countless times I’ve been able to come to You with my doubts and fears. Thank you for hearing the cries of my heart, even when I can’t put them into words.

Lord, I can say with David, “I will not be defeated” not because of who I am but because of You, my Defender. You give me hope, my Rock and my Salvation. You are loving and gracious and good. Thank you for Your blessings too numerous to count.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

1 Peter 1:3–4a (NIV)

Father, Thank you for giving Peter, a fearful denier, everything he needed to boldly and powerfully profess the message of Jesus after the resurrection. Thank you for giving me new life through Jesus’ sacrificial love and thank you for filling this new life with hope. I love that Your promises never change, never perish, spoil or fade.

Of all the things this world has to offer … I know I can completely trust Your perfect love and that truth gives me hope.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

Romans 5:3–5

Father, I’ll admit that I don’t feel like rejoicing when problems and trials arise. I typically find myself whiney and worried. But by Your grace, when I think of all the times You have given me everything I needed to walk through life’s challenges … I have hope that You will never leave me or forsake me no matter what I have to face.

The hope You give never disappoints … not because I always get the outcome I want but because You always give me what I need each day to live through whatever You allow. Sometimes You allow things that teach me I can endure with strength when I put my hope in You.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of Your love and fills me with hope.

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 1:18

Confident hope is a gift only You can give Lord. Our world offers us wishes to go with our wants but when those desires fail to happen … wishing falls apart. But hope that shines with the light of Your perfect love lasts forever.

The hope You give is focused on You, Lord, the God of the impossible. The loving Father who has made me His own. Thank you for Jesus, for faith, hope, and love. By Your grace and for Your glory.

‘I see that the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad,
    and my tongue shouts His praises!
    My body rests in hope.

Acts 2:25–26

Thank you for always being with me, Lord. Your presence gives me strength and courage.

No wonder my heart is glad!

I will forever praise You as I place my life safely in the palm of Your hand … for there is no better place on earth to rest in hope.

Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

When I've prayed and prayed and waited and waited, when life is hard and circumstances frighten me ... I'm praying and thanking God for the gift of hope. #Prayer #Blessings #Hope #Faith #Godlovesyou

If you need the gift of hope today…

  • Pray and ask God to give it to you.
  • Remember the times He has given you hope in the past.
  • Thank Him for being the God of possibilities … including the ability to give you hope when you need it.
  • Trust Him to give you everything you need today.
  • And read … What Gives You Hope When You Need it Most?

God bless you today, tomorrow, and all the days to come with all the hope you need that you might rest in His love and rejoice!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Trusting God in Your Pain by Nicki Schroeder @ Living for an Audience of One

Trusting God in Your Pain

by Nicki Schroeder
@ Living for an Audience of One

How Grandma Did Hospitality by Laura Thomas @ Heartwarming Encouragement for the Soul

How Grandma Did Hospitality

by Laura Thomas
@Heartwarming Encouragement for Your Soul

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Thank you and God bless!

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

When I need hope, I turn to God's promises. I decided to ask some friends "what gives you hope when you need it most." Here are their answers... #Hope #Friends #Blessings #PromisesofGod

The dictionary defines “hope” as…

  • To cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true – as in hope for a promotion or hope for things to go well.
  • To trust.
  • To desire with an expectation of obtaining, accomplishing, or fulfilling.
  • To expect with confidence.

So, of course, that made me wonder…

Based on those definitions – What gives people hope?

I started with a Google search of the question “What gives you hope?” and found the following answers:

  • Not much.
  • Knowing that things could always be worse.
  • An inspiring person with strength and courage.
  • The belief that things will get better.
  • The determination and will power to improve whatever is wrong or overcome what’s going on.
  • When a child smiles.
  • Believing that dreams come true.
  • A sense of humor.
  • Optimism

Then I looked up the Biblical definition of the word “hope”…

Hope is the confident expectation, the sure certainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will occur in accordance with God’s sure Word.

Bible.org

Hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness.

Wiley Online Library

So, what’s the difference?

With the secular definition, the degree to which a person has hope is based solely on the strength of that person’s desires. But for those of us who believe that our hope is based on the Biblical definition … our hope, our strength is based on the promises of God.

In other words – you and I don’t have to be strong in order to be hopeful because weak or strong, God’s promises remain the same, God remains the same and He IS the source of our hope.

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Paul wrote:

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Romans 15:4

And…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

And, one more…

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

So, you and I don’t have to be strong to achieve that thing for which we hope; God Himself is our source of strength, confidence, peace, and hope … He has always been and He always will be true to His promises.

I don’t know about you, but I find that very encouraging.

As do many of my friends. I asked them…

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

When I need hope, I turn to God's promises. I decided to ask some friends "what gives you hope when you need it most." Here are their answers... #Hope #Friends #Blessings #PromisesofGod

Here’s what they had to say in response to the question – What gives you hope?

  • Stacey wrote, “Looking back on the ‘suicidal’ me, seeing how far He’s brought me from there and knowing He’s not DONE with me yet!! Praise His Holy Name!!”
  • Jenn wrote, “Truly, the Word of God gives me hope. Many years ago, I read in Psalm 107 that God sent forth His Word and healed the people. My spirit latched onto that and hasn’t let go. His Word and being in intimate relationship w/ Him have brought me so much healing.”
  • Sandra said, “God’s Word.”
  • Samantha wrote, “The knowledge that God is in my corner which I know to be true based on the experiences. I’ve seen God’s unending faithfulness in my life over and over again.”
  • Teri said, “The presence of the Holy Spirit gives me hope. Being down and out for over a month and a half, I’ve relied so desperately on His ‘still small voice’.”
  • Shelley wrote, “Reading and learning the Word of God gives me hope and the peace that ‘passes all understanding’.”
  • Patsy said, “The promises of God and His faithfulness.”
  • Dawn wrote, “Jesus and the message of the Gospel.”
  • Sarah said, “Reading in Revelation 21–22 about the New Heaven and New Earth where there will be no more tears of suffering.”

Over the years, others have shared…

  • God’s grace and forgiveness give me hope … no matter how many times I mess up, what Christ has done has already cleaned up my mess.
  • The grace of God in Christ Jesus gives me hope.
  • Knowing God is in control of my life here on earth and for eternity and that His only motives for me are love.
  • Trusting that God is faithful and that He always keeps His promises.
  • Knowing I belong to the Lord and that someday I will live with Him forever.
  • The testimonies of people who have been changed by the saving grace, mercy, and love of God.
  • Knowing God has everything under control even when it looks to me like nothing is under control.
  • Have the peace and strength that only God can give … making it possible to take things one day at a time.
  • Remembering that God created me, sent Jesus to save me, and calls me His own.
  • The confidence that nothing happens outside of God’s control.

Would you like to know what gives me hope when I need it?

God’s patient love and transforming power!

The way He worked in my life to create a hope-filled story that changed everything.

I’m sitting here trying to find the words to explain it to you and tears fill my eyes as I think about the journey God allowed to take me from an anxious people-pleasing afraid to make a mistake “good girl” … to a completely broken hopeless mess.

But God…

(Two of my favorite words in the Bible because they are always followed by verses that tell of God’s gracious love and transforming power. They always bring words of hope!)

But God, in His mercy gently put the pieces back together. Not all of them. There are still parts of my story that aren’t completely filled in … but that’s where the hope shines through.

That’s where I can come to you and say, if Jesus can heal this broken mess and in the process transform me into someone who wants to simply live each day surrendered to honoring His command to…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Luke 10:27

It sounds so simple and yet, we make it so complicated, don’t we?

This is why I know I need the hope that comes from knowing and trusting God’s promises.

7 Promises from the Message that will Give You Hope When You Need It Most

When I need hope, I turn to God's promises. I decided to ask some friends "what gives you hope when you need it most." Here are their answers... #Hope #Friends #Blessings #PromisesofGod

God loves you.

This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

John 3:16 (MSG)

God will meet every need you have.

 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 )MSG)

God’s grace and forgiveness give you freedom.

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.

Romans 6:12–14 (MSG)

God will protect you when you are tempted.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

God cares for you and He is always with you.

God has said,
“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”
So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?”

Hebrews 13:6 (MSG)

God is always working for your good and His glory.

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:26–28

God promises you will have a home with Him
forever and always.

Jesus said, “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand.” 

And…

“Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”

John 10:27–28 & John 14:1–2 (MSG)

And finally, a verse to memorize that will give you hope when you need it…

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:5

So, let me ask you…

What gives you hope when you need it most?

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment. 

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!