1 Peter 4:7

The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer (staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.)

We are to have a sound mind and be self-controlled for prayer. Our foundation in the Word is to be like a garden watered, weeded, and maintained. Without our persistence in faith, we won’t be able to pray accurately and believe for answers. 

1 Peter 3:7

In the same way, you husbands live with your wives in an understanding way (with great gentleness and tact, and with intelligent regard for the marriage relationship), as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective. 

The marriage relationship is vital to God. Men play a significant leadership role in marriage and the family. How they treat their wife sets the tone for the relationship. Wives will respond to their husbands according to the investment they have made in them and their families. 

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now there remain: faith (abiding trust in God and His promises), hope (confident expectation of eternal salvation) love (unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me), these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Faith, hope, and love are essential for our Christian faith. We must trust (faith) God and be confident (hope) that He will do what He says. We must love without prejudice and according to the example of Love that God has shown toward us. God loves us even when we come short of His expectations, and He wants us to follow His example. 

1 Corinthians 13:7

Love bears all things (regardless of what comes), believes all things (looking for the best in each one), hopes all things (remaining steadfast during difficult times), endures all things (without weakening).

We choose our attitude minute by minute and day by day. When we choose Love instead of anger, a test will come our way. If we remain determined to stay in love, a barrier is established. The wave may come, but love blocks any flow of distress reaching our hearts. With love as our guide, we can endure all things and keep our peace. 

1 Corinthians 13:5

It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not provoked (nor overly sensitive and easily angered); it does not take into account a wrong endured.

With Love, we have learned how to operate in the peace and protection taught by God in the Bible. A person who has love firmly established in their hearts understands that everyone is flawed. We are all working through our imperfections and will not let the actions of others disturb our peace. 

1 Corinthians 13:3

If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.

If we are struggling to receive healing, financial help, or have our prayers answered, and we know we are in faith, then we need to examine our love walk. Love is key. We need to check our hearts for any unforgiveness, anger, or resentment that will block God from working on our behalf. Jesus gave all in love for our sins, and He expects us to forgive others in the same manner.  

Psalm 103:13

Just as a father loves his children, so the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him (with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence).

God loves His children and has given us, through Jesus, every opportunity to succeed. When we respect God, we also show reverential fear (not in a bad way) because we are knowledgeable of the power of God. We give respect and honor to God because we love Him and cherish our relationship.

Proverbs 28:1

The wicked flee when no one pursues them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

A righteous person knows where they stand with God and have confidence in the direction they are going. A person without knowledge of God doesn’t know what belongs to them. They don’t know the promises of God through salvation. It is vital to keep the promises of God in our hearts and our minds. It is impossible to get a person off course when they keep their minds focused on the map (Bible).

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you (and even show you) great and mighty things, which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.

As we seek a closer relationship with God through the Bible, prayer, praise, and worship, we will be rewarded with increased understanding. God will help us understand what we read in the Bible. He will guide us in our day-to-day lives. He will provide guidance that only God can give. Make it a point to draw closer to God, and He will come closer to us.

Jeremiah 33:6-7

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them, and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace (prosperity, security, stability) and truth. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and the fortunes of Israel and will rebuild them as they were at first. 

God can make all grace abound towards His people. If we turn to God and make Him our priority in our thoughts, finances, decisions, and lives, we will see our lives change for the better. As we focus on God’s abilities and remove the doubt and fear of being alone, God will be able to produce healing, security, and stability in our lives.