Friday, July 28, 2023

Prayer Closet

 

1. Fight Fear with Love

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

Disobedience to God’s command brought the first feeling of alarm to mankind. Adam had a pure relationship with his Creator, but when sin entered his spirit, their oneness detached. Anxiety became Adam’s new religion. While nothing had changed with God, everything had changed with Adam and Eve. New feelings, experiences, and the way they related to each other came into existence. Hiding meant they were afraid of punishment. They put faith in the words of the serpent instead of what the Lord had told them.

Anticipation of condemnation may cause compromise in values and decisions. When we listen to voices other than the Lord’s, we are hiding from Him like Adam and Eve did. We are placing our faith in a voice other than the Almighty’s.

All apprehension starts with words we meditate on or events we experience. We allow a seed to form and grow into full mental bloom. The more we ponder what may happen, the stronger the grip of terror grows until a stronghold is formed in our imagination. We conquer these soulish arguments by casting them down (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

And in the case of a real threat, the power over us doesn’t have to be. There is nothing that cannot be overcome with the Word of God. We can stand on His promises in faith and rely on His love to eliminate the fear.


Uproot Rejection with Christ’s Acceptance

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6 NKJV)

Misunderstandings in our relationships can cause withdrawal to well up in our hearts. Children may misinterpret what is said by parents, spouses misunderstand each other, and friendships suffer from wrong communication. Over time negative reinforcement can cause us to form feelings of unworthiness. We then transfer those dispositions to our relationship with our heavenly Father and compare Him to human relationships. This can cause a break in our ability to hear the Almighty’s voice and receive what He wants to give us.

We depend too much upon other people’s opinions of us. When we do this, we are obtaining our value from other fallen flesh instead of our Creator who loves us more than anyone else can.

When we take our eyes off Jesus and put too much emphasis on how others can make us feel we become weak. We are strengthened by trusting and believing what the King of kings says about us.

Someone else’s treatment of us doesn’t reflect our value. Christ said we were worth dying for. That should make all the difference in the world.

The key to overcoming rejection is to focus on Christ’s love. We are reminded in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us or forsake us, and His love is never-ending. Even if another person turns against us, our Savior never will.

If we know we are loved, and we know we have been made worthy by the blood of Christ, then these mindsets can be stopped. His acceptance can uproot thoughts of alienation.


Extend Forgiveness in Obedience

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

It’s difficult to forgive those who hurt us because our mind reasons that forgiving them means making light of mistreatment done to us as if it doesn’t matter. But forgiving means we release our right for vengeance against the other person to God.

The worst event in the history of the world was the torture and crucifixion of Jesus. His pain certainly mattered. Yet on the cross the Son forgave those who delivered Him and those who pounded the nails. And He forgave you and me because we all put our Savior there.


Fight Depression with God-Focus

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Psalm 40:1-3)

In 1 Samuel chapter 30, David and his men returned to their city to find their wives and children had been taken captive by their enemies. The people who were with David blamed their leader for these tragic events so much they considered stoning him. The Bible says David was very distressed. But he did not remain that way; he encouraged himself in the Lord (v. 6).

How did David get out of his depression? He asked the Almighty what to do (v. 8), and after following the given instructions David and his men recovered their families and took the spoils of battle from the captors. They brought back so much that David had enough to share with the elders of Judah.

David had a great victory because he did not give in to his feelings. If he had sat around crying, “Woe is me,” his family and those of his men would have been gone forever. These warriors glorified God’s name when they didn’t let circumstances dictate their actions. They had to act on heavenly direction in faith even though their hearts were saddened by the events that had taken place.


Replace Envy with Humility

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.(James 3:16)

The green-eyed monster lurks in the corners, sleeps in the unlikeliest places until it’s awakened, and then the hidden creature pounces and attacks. We can think this villain doesn’t exist until bait feeds the frenzy and then we are assaulted with a vengeance.

But the Bible says jealousy will rot our bones (Proverbs 14:30). If we let this slithery serpent remain, the venom can inhibit our growth by causing us to dwell on what we don’t have.

Praying for others is the best way to get our eyes off ourselves and put the jealousy in the graveyard. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up (Hebrews 4:10).

Our part is to think about our blessings and how we are to use our gifts, not on what others have. Replace envy with the Son’s humility.


Proverbs 20:5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

How to Process Emotions

Learning how to process our emotions is a powerful skill and one that not many people possess. Processing our emotions is a great way to gain greater self awareness. It is important to refine the skill of understanding, reconciling and facing our emotions in healthy ways. 

Processing emotions is how we become increasingly self-aware. It is navigating our heart and mind. Our heart is the control center of all information. The mind is how we filter and evaluate our experiences through our five senses. We must learn how to understand, reconcile and face emotions in healthy ways. Processing our emotions is just that – taking a series of steps to gain insight into the emotions that are coming up within us through noticing, evaluating and taking action. Nobody is exempt from difficult times, therefore it is a good thing to get equipped to process emotions.

When you approach your emotions in a curious way, grab a journal, God’s Word (maybe use the list of Bible verses below) and prayerfully depend on God. We are human beings that need help navigating the deep waters of our heart. When an emotion is not entirely clear, be patient as you wait for God to reveal what He wants you to know.

Related: How to Process Your Emotions

How to Feel Your Feelings

Bible Verses About Emotions

Grief & Sadness

Psalm 34:18

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 65:14 

“My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit.”

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

John 14:1

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”

Psalm 30:5b

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4b

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…”

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 73:26 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 147:3 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Romans 8:18 

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Psalm 119:50

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Remember, these Bible verses about emotions can provide comfort and encouragement during times of deep sadness and grief, reminding us of God’s presence and His promises.


Fear, Anxiety and Worry

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Matthew 6:34 

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

1 Peter 5:7 

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Psalm 56:3 

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Matthew 10:31 

“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Isaiah 43:1 

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”

Psalm 27:1 

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

2 Timothy 1:7 

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Psalm 94:19 

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

Psalm 34:4 

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

These Bible verses about emotions remind us of God’s care for us, and the assurance of His peace. They encourage us to trust in Him and cast our anxieties upon Him, knowing that He is our strength and refuge in times of fear and anxiety.

Related: Biblical Affirmations About Anxiety


Bible Verses About Emotions and Anger

Ephesians 4:26-27

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

James 1:19-20

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Proverbs 14:29

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”

Proverbs 15:1

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 19:11

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9

“Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.”

Romans 12:19

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”

Proverbs 29:11

“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

Ephesians 4:31-32

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Psalm 4:4

“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”

Proverbs 22:24-25

“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”

Proverbs 29:22 

“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man commits many sins.”


Thankfulness and Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Psalm 106:1

“Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”

Psalm 100:4

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Chronicles 16:34

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

1 Timothy 4:4-5

“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”

Psalm 30:12

“That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”

Colossians 2:6-7

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Psalm 118:1

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”


Bible Verses About Emotions and Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4:7-8

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Matthew 22:37-39

“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Romans 12:9

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Proverbs 10:12

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”

Jeremiah 31:3 

“the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

These Bible verses about emotions highlight the power of God’s love to us and between us. They serve as a reminder of the importance of love in our relationships and interactions with God and others.


Confidence and Self Worth

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

John 1:12

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Related: Biblical Affirmations About Your Identity in Christ {free printable}


Peacefulness

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 26:3

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Colossians 3:15

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Psalm 29:11

“May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!”

Psalm 119:165

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

John 16:33

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

These verses remind us of the peace that comes from God, the peace we have through faith in Jesus Christ. They encourage us to trust in God, seek His peace, and find refuge in His presence.


Joy and Happiness

Psalm 16:11

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

1 Peter 1:8-9

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Proverbs 17:22

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Psalm 32:11

“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”

John 16:22

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16

“Rejoice always.”

Psalm 92:4

“For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands, I sing for joy.”

Proverbs 15:13

“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

These Bible verses about emotions remind us that God is the source of all we need including joy. They encourage us to rejoice in the Lord, trust in His promises, and find joy in His presence and salvation.


Bible Verses About Emotions and Patience

Romans 12:12

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Ecclesiastes 7:8

“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

Hebrews 6:15

“And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.”

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

These Bible Scriptures remind us of the importance of patience in our lives. They encourage us to trust in God’s timing, persevere through trials, and exhibit patience in our interactions with others. 


Loneliness

Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Matthew 28:20

“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Psalm 25:16

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.”

Psalm 34:17

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Related: Bible Verses About Loneliness


Confusion

1 Corinthians 14:33

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Psalm 25:4-5

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

1 Corinthians 14:40

“But all things should be done decently and in order.”

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

These verses remind us that our God is not a God of confusion, rather we find clarity in God’s Truth and seeking Him in prayer.


Stress

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 55:22

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Psalm 94:19

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Proverbs 12:25

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Psalm 56:3

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”


Jealousy

James 3:14-16

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

1 Corinthians 3:3

“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”

Proverbs 14:30

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”

Galatians 5:26

“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

1 Peter 2:1

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”


Bible Verses About Emotions and Shame

Romans 10:11

“For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'”

Isaiah 50:7

“But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.”

Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 61:7

“Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.”

2 Timothy 1:12

“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”

Psalm 25:3

“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.”


Bible Verses About Emotions and Hopelessness

Psalm 42:11

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

These verses remind us that even in moments of hopelessness, we can turn to God and find hope in Him. 

Related: Hope in Hard Times


Humble

Micah 6:8

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Matthew 23:12

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

James 4:6

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”

Proverbs 22:4

“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.”

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

1 Peter 5:5

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”

Ephesians 4:2

“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

Luke 14:11

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

These verses emphasize the importance of humility in our relationship with God and with others. They encourage us to recognize our dependence on God, to put others before ourselves, and to cultivate a humble and gentle spirit. 


Prideful

Proverbs 16:18

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Proverbs 11:2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

Proverbs 29:23

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”




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