Matthew 6:26

Look at the bird of the air; they neither sow (seed) nor reap (the harvest) nor gather (the crops) into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them.  Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to (the length of) his life? 

The word of God can change our vision of ourselves, our future and remind us of our value.  We first need to change our thoughts and we do that by studying and believing the word.  The believing can take time and we all may struggle until the word of God becomes bigger in us than the doubts.  Don’t give up because God is on our side.  

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose-I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace).

The word of God is the bases for our confidence in our life and not our circumstances, feelings or thoughts.  We can do all things which God has called us to do because He provides the power to make it through.  Our thoughts and words need to line up with the word and then we will succeed.  

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom (to guide him through a decision or circumstance), he is to ask of (our benevolent God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given him.  

Our inner dialogue may not line up with the word of God. When we tell ourselves we will never be able to do this or that we are not relying on the wisdom of God to help us. If we lack wisdom and knowledge God is more than willing to help us in any situation. We have to let go of the negative self-limiting beliefs and plug into the all-knowing God.  

Hebrews 3:12-13

Take care, brothers and sisters, that there not be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart (which refuses to trust and rely on the Lord, a heart) that turns away from the living God. But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” so that none of you are hardened (into settled rebellion) by the deceitfulness of sin. 

It is important that we encourage each other in the Lord.  That we may help support each other in the faith so we don’t harden our hearts in discouragement and sin.  When we build each other up as we help each other walk in faith and keep away from sin.  We are called the body of the church and are meant to support and help each other. 

Romans 14:13 and 19

Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this-not to put an obstacle or stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. So then, let us pursue (with enthusiasm) the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (things that lead to spiritual growth).

The best way to stay in peace and love is to stay in the word.  The word will remind us of our own imperfections and keep us humble and less prone to criticize others.  Our hearts flourish when we pursue peace and build up one another and walk in love.  Love is the key to spiritual growth. 

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let unwholesome (foul, profane, worthless, vulgar) words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear (you speak).

What comes out of our mouths is a great indicator of what is in our hearts.  If we feel pain, joy, sadness, anger, love it all starts in our hearts and then we speak it.  If our heart has lost its balance and foundation from the Word what we speak will not align with the Word.  We no longer have the focus of Gods’ Word coming out of our mouths but we speak from the fleshly nature which leads to sin.  

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My (perfect) peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. (Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.) 

Jesus left us peace and help in the form of the Holy Spirit to teach us in all things.  We are to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid but let peace reign.  Our focus, trust and confidence must be in what He tells us in the word and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We must trust in the peace and take our eyes off what causes fear.  

2 Corinthians 12:9

But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you (My loving kindness and My mercy are more than enough regardless of the situation); for (My) power is being perfected (and is complete and shows itself most effectively) in weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weakness, so that the power of Christ (may completely enfold me and) may dwell in me.  

It is time to look at weakness in a different light as a Christian.  If we realize our weakness and turn to rely on God, then God is an ABLE to work for us and through us unhindered.  God gets the glory when people can see His power working through us and for us.  We want the power of God to dwell in us but we must let go and trust God first.

Hebrews 10:39

But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but (we are) those who believe (relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah) and by this confidence faith preserve the soul. 

All fear opposes faith and wears away our confidence in God and His word.  Fear is what causes us to shrink back to destruction and weakens our confidence. When faith dominates the heart and mind fear is not tolerated and the thoughts not allowed in. Faith teaches us to be brave because we know that God is at work in our lives.

Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of patient endurance (to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising), so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

In order to bear up under difficult circumstances and have faith it takes practice.  We have to practice our study of the word, worship, praise and seeking God.  When we know what we believe in and why we can stand on that knowledge.  The knowledge only comes from patient endurance and sticking with God and His word in belief.