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“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (Ps. 34:7, NKJV).

This verse is so powerful because it reminds us that God is always ready to deliver us, and that we have no reason to be afraid. In my personal experience, I found Psalms 34:7 to be true.

A few years ago, my house caught on fire. My family was at church when it happened, so luckily no one was injured. One of our friends, however, was living with us at the time. She stayed home that Sabbath to watch a couple of baby birds we had found the day before.

“But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, for You have been my refuge and a place of refuge on the day of my distress” (Ps. 59:16, NASB).

This verse outlines the many problems, mountainous difficulties, troubling times and numerous enemies that were surrounding David on every side. David opened up his heart to the Lord, and his urgent prayer for help and deliverance poured forth unabated. This surrender of heart has also worked in my life.

“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 hope” (Jer. 29:11, ESV).

I like this Bible verse because it says God knows what will happen throughout your life, through all your troubles, hardships and times of despair. I think of these as wars between God and Satan, between your guardian angel and Satan’s demons.

But just as God knows the outcome of the whole universe, you choose the outcome of your battles; whether or not you’ll let something ruin your day or try to see the good that can come out of a bad situation. We’ve all had our times of trial. For some it may not have been as bad as others, but it’s up to you whether you choose to let the demons win or let God take command.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13, NIV).

This verse is important to me because there was a moment in my life when I felt I was losing everything; that there was no hope. But God showed me there was hope and that I would be fine.

In 2020, my mom got into a terrible car accident. I was sick at home with bronchitis when my mom’s friend called my older brother and told him that she had been in an accident. We talked with the paramedics, and they explained that it was very bad. We rushed to the hospital, and I was very upset because they wouldn’t tell us anything.

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“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Ps. 139:14, KJV).

Is there something about yourself you don’t like? Maybe you have freckles, a loud laugh, curly hair or a quiet personality. I would venture to guess that we all have insecurities. We see characteristics in others we wish we could have and features we wish we could look like. The question is, why aren’t we confident in who we are?