Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.” There are moments when the greatest test of our character comes not from the difficulties we encounter, but from the words we choose in response. Someone speaks unfairly, questions our judgement or makes an accusation we believe is unjustified. Almost immediately,…

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.” There is a particular difficulty in recognising pride within ourselves. We can usually identify it in others, especially when somebody refuses advice, dismisses criticism or insists upon having the final word. Yet the same behaviour can be considerably harder to recognise…

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” There is something reassuring about knowing that we are prepared. We save money against unexpected expenses, develop skills to protect our employment and make plans intended to safeguard our future. We build relationships, establish…

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” There are times when our greatest difficulty is not the situation confronting us, but the way we respond to it. An unexpected problem arises, somebody challenges our judgement, or circumstances begin…

Hebrews 13:6 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” There is a particular kind of fear that rarely announces itself openly. It does not necessarily involve danger, illness or uncertainty about the future. Instead, it arises from our concern about…

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Fear has a remarkable ability to occupy our thoughts. Sometimes it arrives suddenly, following unexpected news or an unsettling experience. At other times, it develops quietly, growing through repeated worries about things that may never happen. We can…

Isaiah 26:4 “Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” There are moments in life when trusting God feels almost instinctive. Something unexpected happens, a difficulty arises, or we find ourselves facing circumstances beyond our ability to control. We turn towards God because we recognise our need for help,…

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight;” There is something reassuring about being able to see where we are going. Whether we are planning a journey, making an important decision or preparing for a change in circumstances, we naturally want to know what lies ahead. We gather information, consider possibilities and…

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.” There is a difference between trusting God and pretending that everything is all right. Yet sometimes, without quite realising it, we behave as though faith requires us to conceal our difficulties, minimise…

Psalm 112:7 “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” There is something remarkably unsettling about unexpected bad news. An ordinary morning can change with a single telephone call. A message appears, a concerning headline catches our attention, or somebody shares information that immediately raises questions about…

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” There is an important difference between asking God to bless our plans and genuinely placing those plans into His hands. Most of us are comfortable praying for a particular outcome. We ask that a decision will…

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” There is a quiet progression in Isaiah’s words. He begins with salvation, moves into trust, and arrives eventually at song. That order is important. The…