Lamentations 3:21-22

But this I call to mind, therefore I have hope. It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions never fail. 

During times of trial, we need encouragement and hope in our lives, like a scripture that reminds us of the goodness and compassion of God. When we remember God’s loving kindnesses, a barrier should come up to doubt and unbelief. Hope in the Lord and His promises will renew our faith and strengthen our belief.

Philippians 4:12

I know how to get along and live humbly (in difficult times), and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret (of facing life), whether well fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  

What a blessing Jesus is who strengthens us in difficult situations. Jesus will make a way when all doors seem closed. We also learn to appreciate the abundance brought into our lives by His hand. We fully understand we are not alone when we learn and mature in Christ. 

Luke 6:37 

Do not judge (others self-righteously), and you will not be judged; do not condemn (others when you are guilty and unrepentant), and you will not be condemned (for your hypocrisy); pardon (others when they truly repent and change), and you will be pardoned (when you truly repent and change).

The more time we spend keeping our own houses in order, the less interesting it is to see what is going on with the neighbors. Our own home will have enough sin and imperfection to keep us busy. When we examine ourselves under the light of the gospel, we fully realize we have no moral high ground to judge others. 

Romans 6:6-7

We know that our old self (our human nature without the Holy Spirit) was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. For the person who has died (with Christ) has been freed from (the power) of sin.  

It doesn’t matter whether we are new or old Christians. What matters is eternal life and freedom from sin and spiritual death. We don’t have to follow the old nature or give in to tempting influences. Sin no longer has power over us unless we let it. Every day is a new day to work on becoming more like Christ.

Mathew 18:11-12

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?

Being separated from the safety and protection of the shepherd opens us to all the perils of nature. We are like sheep and need guidance, safety, and protection to thrive. When someone is lost, they feel uneasy about the direction of their life. Jesus came to redeem the lost and direct the saved.   

Luke 9:55-56

But He turned and rebuked them (and He said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are; for the son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”) And they journeyed to another village.

The spirit is the heart of the matter! Our sinful nature is reversed when we have the born-again spirit of salvation through Jesus. The Born-again spirit’s nature is based on Love, being kind, helpful, and a good neighbor. This nature comes from Jesus and continues His work for the salvation of others.   

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated) for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

We need to practice courage and decide what we will believe before adversity comes. The Lord commanded Joshua beforehand to have courage and believe the word of God. We, too, are to have courage and believe the word of God. Our first step in any direction should be a step of faith.  

Habakkuk 2:4

“Look at the proud one, His soul is not right within him, But the righteous will live by his faith (in the true God).”

A person of pride depends on themselves, their power, their position, and their accomplishments. A righteous person before God is joined to genuine faith in God. A righteous person is humble and faithful to God and His commandments. Faith is believing in what we can’t see and knowing God exists. 

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to (walk with God and) please Him, for whoever comes (near) to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He rewards those who (earnestly and diligently) seek Him.

Seeking God in faith through the Bible builds our trust and belief in the Word and, most importantly, God. The Word becomes real and possible through faith. If the Bible says it is possible and we believe, then our faith connects with God’s faith, and miracles happen.  

Mark 9:23-24

Jesus said to him, “(You say to Me,) If You can?” all things are possible for the one who believes and trusts (in Me)! Immediately the father of the boy cried out (with desperate, piercing cry), saying, “I do believe; help (me overcome) my belief.”

We tend to think too small when it comes to God’s power and, in many cases, limit His abilities to help us in our lives. If we neglect to build up our faith in Jesus and His power, we will see results according to the level of our faith. God is in a different realm and level of faith. He can create a man (Adam) out of dirt. We must stop limiting Him with our small vision of what is possible.