The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. (KJV) ( Job 29:13 ) 

It’s so easy to get consumed with our world and we often overlook other people. But we feel such encouragement when someone we admire takes an interest in us. Believe it or not, you are very powerful as well. You have the ability to make other peoples’ hearts sing and flutter, especially to those without hope. 

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (KJV) ( Romans 12:12 ) 

This verse is a helpful nugget of guidance to get us through dark times. As a believer in Christ we have hope and not just a random hope, but a confident hope. We can confidently believe in a time when hurt, pain, and sorrow will end. It’s comforting to know amidst all of your despair and discouragement there is one thing you can be sure of which is that it will come to an end. 

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (KJV) ( James 4:12 ) 

God is the perfect judge because He created the law. When we judge other people it is a sign we don’t trust God will judge accordingly. Or it is a sign that our own authority is greater than God’s.  Both of these ideas are far from the truth.  If you find yourself looking down on another person, try focusing on your love and appreciation for them.  Your love leaves a greater impact than your judgement. 

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (KJV) ( Proverbs 15:28 ) 

Big questions require thoughtful responses.  Better to pause, pray and find the right words when facing a tricky situation. When we rush to reply in haste, we often make matters worse.  God knows sometimes our first inclinations are not our best ones.  Time gives us the chance to find wisdom in difficulty. 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (KJV) ( Ezekiel 36:26 ) 

Does being “good enough” for God feel impossible?  The truth is, on our own we can never do enough good to measure up to God’s standards.  God realizes our great need for Him! When we accept Him into our lives, He graciously offers us a new heart and spirit.  It’s only by His strength we can serve our great God! 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) ( 1 Peter 5:8  ) 

This world is a dangerous place.  There is a real, ugly, no good adversary out there trying to push us off course.  Stay alert! Always being mindful of the choices you are making.  Grow godly community around you and enlist their help in finding wisdom for your life.  Pray for God’s protection as you go through your day.  Without His hand on our lives, evil awaits us. 

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. (KJV) ( Ecclesiastes 8:15 ) 

God wants us to eat, drink and be merry. He wants us to embrace life. But He also knows that life on earth comes with challenges, roadblocks and hardships. It’s a perfectly designed system of peaks and valleys, and it’s our memory of the valleys that lifts us up when we experience the peaks. Without those valleys, the route to our Heavenly Father would take longer to reach. 

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. (NIV) ( James 3:13-14 ) 

We all possess some degree of selfishness. The important thing is to acknowledge it and let others know of your intentions. People will be more understanding if you reveal it rather than hide it. If you feel strong enough to mirror God’s ways, change your direction by giving time and money to those less fortunate than yourself. If you don’t feel strong enough, ask God for the strength. 

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. (KJV) ( Proverbs 20:3 )

Do you seek pride through being right when you argue? Quarreling doesn’t bring God praise or glory. Affirm your honor by avoiding a fight. By doing so, God will bring peace to both parties.  The next time you find yourself treading closely to a fight, test your honor.  Can you back down without losing your honor?