Psalm 34:19

Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them broken.

This life requires faith and trust in God; without it, we would perish in all the tests and trials. As Christians, our faith should be our witness to the moving of God in our life. We have faith because God has rescued us from the “perplexing circumstances.” Our focus on God in our faith is the key to unlocking the door to God working on our behalf.  

1 Thessalonians 2:14-15

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same persecution from your own countrymen, as they did from the Jews who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and harassed and drove us out; and (they) continue to be highly displeasing to God and (to show themselves) hostile to all people.

Christians have suffered persecution for over 2000 years, and here we are starting to see a change toward the faith. Our best defense in an intolerant world is to keep our focus committed to the word and God. God is our strength, courage, and confidence in an intolerant world. We cannot draw back from the faith now but press forward.    

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

For you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you just as a father does (in dealing with) his own children, (guiding you) to live lives (of honor, courage, and personal integrity) worthy of God who (saves you and) calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Paul is encouraging us like a parent who encourages his children to walk worthy of God who called us. We will be hampered by guilt and sin when we don’t live with integrity. Sin doesn’t draw us closer to God but farther away from Him.  God wants us to be people of honor and integrity and represent God here on this earth. 

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love (and diligently practice) kindness. And to walk humbly with your God (setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness).

Our attitude is always our choice, and if we limit our negative reactions to circumstances, we can walk in love and be kind. It may take time and practice to suppress the flesh and let the spirit lead, but it makes a massive difference in our peace. As we walk humbly with God, we can grow in our spirits and overcome the flesh.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you (who are willing to learn) with My eye upon you.  

First, we must have a willing heart to hear from God. A willing heart comes when we are humble to God and have learned that we cannot live without His guidance. We cannot see everything or know everything, but God does, and He is willing to show us if we listen to His counsel.  

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength (mighty and impenetrable), a very present well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains are shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its roaring.  

The only thing that doesn’t change in our life is the word of God. Everything else is guaranteed to change. Our decision becomes where we put our trust and attitude as we go through change. When we remain constant with the word of God in our lives, it doesn’t matter what the world does. Our faith is our anchor.  

Joshua 1:8

The book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read (and meditate on) it day and night, so that you may be careful to do (everything) in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.God is our creator and knows how we function as human beings. God tells His people to focus on the word day and night and follow the word’s instruction for our success. He knows our weaknesses and how to make us strong in faith and have courage.   This way, we are not tempted by sin or led away from God.  

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation (no matter what the circumstances) be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.  

We need to keep ourselves built up and consistent as Christians. The practice of our faith should be continuous and not just now and then. We have more power against the enemy when we keep our prayers up and our minds renewed. Prayer and thanksgiving are our barriers against the knocks of the world through our faith in God.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous (be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy); I have overcome the world. (My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.)

We live in a fallen world where sin has gained a foothold. Jesus, in the midst of it all, is our peace in the suffering and love for the lost. Our courage, strength, and power to overcome the current world order are by the shed blood of Jesus, who brought us our salvation. We must have good courage and faith in the one who won it all. 

John 15:27

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, not let it be afraid. (Let my perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.)

Peace can be hard to find in a troubled world. So much sin and separation from God are being modeled everywhere on the planet. Jesus tells us not to fear and to let His peace come into our hearts. We will not be afraid when we close the door to fear and open our hearts to peace from Jesus and the word. Faith overcomes all fear.