Scripture

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

This is such a wonderful Pslam. Read through this, and hear God’s promises over you. Receive these promises in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 112
Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.

Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.

When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.

Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.

They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.

They give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
They will have influence and honor.

The wicked will be infuriated when they see this.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

The LORD is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.

What a wonderful scripture! When trouble comes, God is a strong refuge, a place of safety from the doubt, despair, confusion, hurt, pain, whatever plagues you. If you could just put all your trust in him, then he would keep you safe, for he knows who trusts in him.

For the Lord says, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in My name. When he calls on Me I will answer, I will be with him in trouble, and rescue him and honor him.”

If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten in innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery. It will all be gone like water under the bridge. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Any darkness will be as bright as morning. You will have courage because you will have hope. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.

This is an amazing scripture! I’ve read it before, but I’ve never read it. It is packed full of wonderful and hopeful truths. “Prepare your heart and lift up your hands in prayer… Get rid of your sin…” These are great steps towards freedom, because here is what happens when you do that:

• Your face will brighten.
• You will be strong.
• You will be free of fear.
• You will forget your misery.
• Life will be brighter than the noonday.
• You will be have courage.
• You will have hope.
• You will be protected.
• You will rest in safety.
• You will lie down in safety.
• Many will look to you for help.

Do you want these things? Then, prepare your heart. Lift up your hands in prayer, and get rid of all sin and iniquity in Christ Jesus.