Hardships - Calm Waters

When trials and tribulations come, I tend to ask, "Why me?"
Embracing fear and doubt... instead of opportunity.

1 Th 3:2-3 ... to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unstettled
by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.
Pro 24:10 If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!
Ja 1:6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts
is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Luke 21:13 "It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony."(NISB)

"Surely I do not deserve this?" and the enemy agrees,
Recalling every struggle, and not the victories.

Luke 23:41 "And we indeed are suffering  justly, for we are receiving what we deserve
for our deeds; but this man (Christ) has done nothing wrong."(NISB)
Eph 4:27 ...do not give the enemy a foothold.
Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
1 Cor 15:57 But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Satan tells me it is hopeless, there is nothing to be done,
A raging sea of negativity, a clever web is spun.

Ps 143:3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have been long dead. (NISB)
Ro 1:21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks,
but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.(NISB)
1Pet 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
2 Tim 2:28 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,
who are taken captive by him at his will. (KJ)

So easily discouraged, I'd prepare for my defeat,
Then, the Spirit would remind me... who resides beneath Who's feet.
1 Tim 2:13 if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.
Jn 14:26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name,
will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.:
1 Cor 15:27 For He "has put everything under His feet".

The Father knows my heart, and every want, that I would plead,
And smiles, despite my weakness, "Child, I know what you need."

Ps 44:21 ...since He knows the secrets of the heart.
Is 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
2 Cor 12:9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for My power is made perfect in weakness."
Mt 6:8 ...for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

He would have me to rely on Him, come willingly or not...
The Father's love and promise... how quickly I forgot.

Is 45:23 ...Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear.
Jn 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,  for He who promised is faithful.
Dt 6:12 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD, that brought you out of Egypt...

Full of pride by nature, stubborn and strong willed,
I'm reminded of His faithfulness...each prophecy fulfilled.

Ro 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires.
Ps 117:2 For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Mk 14:49 "Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me.
But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."

Let me always listen to the Sovereign Lord, who knows me,
Open up my heart and mind, to all that You would show me.

Ps 103:19 You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar.
Ex 33:13 If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You...

Grant me, Lord, a measure of Your unfailing grace,
And let me see beyond myself... this nose upon my face.

Lam 3:32 Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love."
Ro 5:17 ...how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace
and of the gift of righteousness, reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
Eph 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms
in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches
of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Pro 3:34 ...He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
Ja 3:14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts,
do not boast about it or deny the truth.
Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

Surrounded by the darkness, I reach to take His hand...
A God who works all things for good, if only I will stand.

2 Sa 22:29 You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
1 Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen people,...a people belonging to God,
that you may delcare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
1 Jn 1:5-6 God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him
yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
Ps 31:5 Into Your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.
Ro 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose.
Eph 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Victory waits for those with faith, my shield against the foe.
Faith is what I have... not what I see, but what I know.

2 Ch 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;
stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you.
Mt 17:20 "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say
to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Eph 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
2 Ch 20:20 Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will be upheld,
2 Cor 3:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

Faith would come by hearing, the Word of God is true...
"There is something to be done, my child." Trust is what I do.

Ro 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 Sa 22:31 "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him."
Ja 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

The reason for this test, unclear... His ways are not our ways.
Lost, but not alone, I lift my hands to Him in praise.

Pro 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way.
Is 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord.
Ez 34:16 "I will search for the lost and bring back the strays."
Heb 13:5 ...be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Ps 34:1 I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
Heb 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually
offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of the lips that confess His name.

My circumstance provides the chance... my faith in God, to prove.
Peace and joy displayed because I know the Lord will move.

       Php 4:11-12 ... for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need,                             and I know what it is to have plenty.I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,...
1 Th 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Co 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Is 61:2-3 ...to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion -
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.
Ps 57:2 I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me.

Trust in God is what I do, for I know who He is...
I know the victory will be mine... the Glory will be His.

Ja 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
Jer 24:7 "I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD."
Ps 21:1 O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength. How great is his joy in the victories You give!
1 Ch 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.


Avoiding pain and sorrow is not the victory to be won,
But knowing we endure all things, strengthed by His Son.

1 Pet 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
Heb 10:35-36 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.(NISB)
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.(NISB)

He would have us trust in Him... His faithfulness to show,
He made us over-comers... but first we undergo.

Jn 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me."
Ps 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your rampart.
Ro 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Ro 9:33 As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."
Rev 21:7 He who overcomes willl inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
2 Cor 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses,


This battle will not be the last... on that, we have assurance,
Please, let the light of Christ in us, be shown in our endurance.

Jn 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!       I have overcome the world."
Is 49:6 ..."I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth."
Mt 5:14-15 "You are the light of the world...put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
Mt 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Ro 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Children of the Most High God, through sacrifice made free,
When trials and tribulations come, rejoice... ask "Why not me?"

Ro 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
1 Jn 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
   Gal 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by                       a yoke of slavery.
Ja 1:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.


And let the Peace of God in us, be what the world would see.

Is 26:33 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jn 1:7-9 He (John the Baptist) came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.


Lord, when I'm tested, let me find a way to honor You,
Let faith in God be what I have... let trust be what I do.

Ro 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Ps 89:1-2 I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all the generations. I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You established Your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Heb 11:1,3 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Is 50:10 ...Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
Ps 143:8-10 Let me hear your loving kindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul.  Deliver me, O LORD,  from my enemies; I take refuge in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (NISB)
Is 30:20-21 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your Teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you willl see Them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

When I'm tested, let me see... by faith, an opportunity.