Scriptural Tapestry for the Waiting Heart

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Yet hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently, because with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

God is not unjust. Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, he will never forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

So do not throw away your confidence; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; be strong and take heart and persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Yes, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Therefore, I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. 

 

From Psalm 27:13-14, Psalm 33:20-22, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 38:9, Psalm 130:5-6, Isaiah 49:15, Romans 8:24-25, Hebrews 6:10, Hebrews 10:35-36, and 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV). Italics are added words not found in original text.

 

A Scriptural Tapestry for the Anxious Heart

“My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Indeed, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore, do not be anxious about anything; do not worry about tomorrow. An anxious heart weighs a man down, and who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Rather, cast all your anxiety on Him and in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, because He cares for you. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  

(References: John 14:27; Psalm 46:1-3; Philippians 4:6-7, 20; Matthew 6:34, 27; Proverb 12:25; and 1 Peter 5:7. NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, copyright 1995)

A Scriptural Tapestry for the Weary

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed: we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness: The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. Yes, His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness.

(References: Matthew 11:28-30, Isaiah 40:30-31, Lamentation 3:22-23, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 and 12:9-10, Habakkuk 3:19. NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, copyright 1995)