FIND HOPE - S3.lightboxcdn

Transcription

FIND HOPEin the STORMFight worry, fear, and anxietywith the promises of God1 Find Hope in the Storm

Fear is one of the enemy’sfavorite weapons.Worry, anxiety, fear—it can all overwhelm us likea thick shadow of darkness, controlling our everymove and decision. Yet reality tells us that so much ofwhat we spend our time worrying about never evenhappens. Living under the weight of the “what if’s” isa hard place to dwell.God has words of life—of truth—that he wantsto speak into your fears. Soaking them in, prayingthem out loud until they became so familiar theyreplace the other things in your mind is the first lineof defense against fear and worry. There’s nothingmagical about words and verses, but there is powerthrough them, because they’re God’s words.2 Find Hope in the Storm

Fight worry with30 days of prayerIf you’ve found yourself battling worry recently, this30-day prayer guide will help you pray and focus onGod’s Word. Every day for the next 30 days, there willbe a specific prayer to combat fear and anxiety. Somedays there will be an opportunity to read a relatedarticle, or watch a short video. Other days you’ll beencouraged to journal or write down your thoughtson a related prompt. Every day will have at least oneverse for you to study and pray through.You can start this prayer guide any day of the month,but it might be easier to start at the beginning of themonth, just to keep track of the days. If you do missa day, just pick up with the corresponding day and,if you have time, you can go back to the days you’vemissed. God’s blessings and peace over you as youpray!3 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1When you feel likeyou’re in the stormMARK 4:39–40ISAIAH 41:10JOHN 16:33No matter what swirls around us, God promises to beour perfect peace. He assures us he is constantly withus, strengthening and supporting us. Pray that Godwill help you to keep your eyes and focus on him, noton the circumstances surrounding you. Ask him tohelp you grown in your trust, believing he is faithful tosee us through.Write: In your journal, think of the top five or so thingsin your life right now that are causing you worry,fear, or anxiety. Give those things over to God nowin prayer. Ask him to relieve your fears and help youremember his truth. Invite the Holy Spirit to begin tocalm your soul by replacing the fear with the wordsof truth you just read. Write down the promises fromthe passages in Mark, Isaiah, and John. When fearbegins to creep in, re-read these promises and thankGod for his steadfast love.4 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2When you needGod’s peace over panicPHILIPPIANS 4:6–9ISAIAH 26:3–4JOHN 14:27The enemy will lure us towards panic and worry if wefocus on all that is wrong in this world. But God offersus confident peace that can never be found in this lifewithout him. Ask for his help in choosing not to worry,but instead to pray, allowing his Spirit to guard yourheart and mind in him.5 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 3When you’re worriedabout financesMATTHEW 6:25–27 HEBREWS 13:5–6 PHILIPPIANS 4:19Often it’s hard to trust God when money problems,debt, and loss mount up high. Yet God knows whatconcerns us, he understands our every need, and heis more than able to provide all that we lack. Pray thathe will give you wisdom in every financial decision,that he would help you to be generous in giving, andto trust him in providing for your family’s needs.Read: What Happened the Day I Said Goodbye to MyDream Home by Renée Davis6 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 4When you’re anxiousabout the futurePSALM 56:3 MATTHEW 6:34 LUKE 12:22–26When the future feels uncertain, when things seem tochange, or we find ourselves on a new journey in thislife, we can start to feel the pressure and stress of itall weighing down heavy on our hearts and minds.But Christ reminds us not to worry about tomorrow.He assures us of his care for each and every day. Askhim to help you let go of trying to figure everythingout and to trust him in today, knowing he is with youalways, and will lead you every step of tomorrow.7 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 5When you’re afraid for thesafety of those you lovePSALM 34:7 PSALM 121:3–8 PSALM 91:11One of the biggest fears many battle is thatsomething bad will happen to their loved ones. Yetreality is, we can’t always be with them, nor can wealways protect them from all that may come theirway. But God is with them always, and he is mighty.Pray that his protection would surround those youlove, that his angels would guard their coming andgoing, and he would keep them safe from harm.Thank him that we can release those we love into hiscare, knowing that He watches over his children, andcovers them in his care.Read: Trusting God with Our Children by KateMotaung8 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 6When you feeloverwhelmedISAIAH 35:4 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33 PSALM 61:2–5When troubles overwhelm and worry sets in, it canfeel like we can hardly breathe. It might seem as ifwe’re drowning in the pressures and fears that lifehas thrown our way. God can cut through all that; Heis powerful to work a miracle on our behalf. The sameGod who split the sea and healed the sick is the Godwho hears your prayers today. Tell him what concernsyou, and thank him that he is helping you this day.Watch: Why Are Women Overwhelmed and StressedOut? with Kate Harris9 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 7When you’re facing defeatand discouragementJOSHUA 1:9 PSALM 43:5 ROMANS 16:20The voices in this world, the enemy’s lies, and evenour own negative words can do a pretty good job ofmaking us feel defeated and anxious. Choose to tuneout from all that mess, and instead choose to listento what God says about you. He reminds you that youare more than a conqueror. He tells you not to fear.Pray he will help you to have wisdom in whose voiceyou listen today, and that your thoughts would befocused on him.Read: Dear You A Letter for All of the Hard Days byAnn Voskamp10 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 8When you feeldesperatePSALM 34:4–7 EXODUS 14:14 EPHESIANS 6:10–18For the days you can’t see a way out of your troubles,when desperation raises its head, and you don’t seean end in sight, know this: God is near. He remindsyou that he’s fighting for you. He tells us to standstrong in his armor and in the power of his word.Read out loud every word of the armor of God, praythat he would help you to lift your head straight up tohim, believing that he will see you through.11 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 9When life seems toochaotic and busy1 PETER 5:6–7 LUKE 10:38–42 PSALM 46:10When days feel full and busy, our time with God mayget pushed out. Don’t fall for that trap. Time with Godwill always keep our focus clear and help us move inthe right direction. He is able to multiply your effortsand fill you with great peace and joy even in themidst of chaos. Ask for his help to spend time in hispresence, pray that he will help you to say yes to thebest, and let the other things go.Read: For the Woman Trying to do it All by KatyMcCown12 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 0When it seems our leadershiphas lost its wayJOHN 14:27 PSALM 31:15 JOHN 16:33Ask him to help you not to worry about the thingsthat are out of your control, but to be faithful andwise to support and pray for those leaders whomight be godly influences in our land. Thank him thatour times are in his hands. Pray for his blessing andmercy over our nation.13 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 1When you need a reminderthat God fights for youJOSHUA 23:10 DEUTERONOMY 3:22 ROMANS 8:31–32No matter what we face in this life, we are never inthe battle alone. God goes before us, he’s with usevery step, and he leads the way ahead. Pray that youwould stay alert in a dark world, that God will helpyou to stand strong in him, and that you would dailysense his presence covering you in all that you’re upagainst.Read: 4 Powerful Ways to Fight with Joy Today byMargaret Feinberg14 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 2When you feelall aloneGENESIS 16:13 PSALM 25:16–17 2 CHRONICLES 16:9When struggles come, fear and loneliness may oftenfollow. The enemy wants nothing more than for youto feel like you’re all alone. Be reminded that Godsees you, right where you are, and he won’t everleave you to fend for yourself. Thank him that he isstrongly supporting you right now, that he sees rightwhere you are. Believe his Word—that he cares andyou are never alone.15 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 3When you’re battlingdepression and darknessMATTHEW 19:26 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 1 JOHN 4:4This world can feel dark many days. And in troublingtimes, that darkness can hover closely. Yet God isstill there. And he reminds us that he’s greater thananything we face in this life. His power is the onewho can set us free from the pit we sometimes sinkdown into. Pray for God’s miraculous power to breakthrough the darkness and cover you, lift you up, outof the place you may find yourself in today. Believethat nothing is impossible with him, ask him for hishealing and grace to touch the deepest parts of yourlife.Read: 9 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety and Depressionby Laurie CoombsWatch: 3 Promises from Scripture to Remind YouYou’re Brave Enough to Face Each Day16 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 14When you’re facing fearabout a hard diagnosisPSALM 34:17–20 PSALM 23:4 PSALM 112:7Some of the biggest life blows come in the form of adiagnosis. Cancer. Disease. Chronic illness. Disability.Pain. It can send us spiraling. Yet nothing takes Godby surprise, and he reminds us in the midst of badnews, we still don’t have to fear. We can trust him.Pray that God will flood your heart with the assurancethat he holds you and will carry you through thetoughest times in this life. Thank him in advancefor his healing and strength. Believe his Word thatassures you he is near to the brokenhearted andsaves those whose spirits are crushed.17 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 5When your mind is floodedwith doubt and fearPSALM 62:5 PHILIPPIANS 4:8 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4–5Sometimes in the midst of pressures and stress,our minds can start spinning out of control. We findourselves creating problems that don’t even exist,doubt and worry can overwhelm us and take control.Pray that God will help you to take every thoughtcaptive in obedience to Christ, that you would chooseto set your thoughts on him, that his peace and restwill guard your heart and mind in Christ.18 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 6When you feel like you’vedrifted or lost your way1 JOHN 1:9 PSALM 103:12 JOHN 10:10When we start to feel distant from God, or feel likewe’ve lost our way, God is still there. He waits for usto return and offers forgiveness and grace. Out ofhis presence is anxiety and fear, but in him there isabundant life, purpose, and joy. Ask God’s forgivenessfor what you need to make right with him, thank himfor covering of care, for his huge mercy and love.Pray for his help and wisdom in staying close to him,believing there is protection and goodness there.Read: 5 Things that Cause Us to Drift Spiritually byChris Russell19 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 7When you find it toohard to forgiveMATTHEW 18:21–22 COLOSSIANS 3:13 EPHESIANS 4:32Resentment toward others or even toward ourselvescan be controlling and consuming. It can breedbitterness and anxiety. Don’t let it win. Pray thatGod will help you to let go of where you’ve beenwronged, even when it’s hard, choosing to forgive,determined to walk in love, knowing that his graceand forgiveness covers all. Pray that God will help youto release every past mistake to him, and walk in thefreedom and peace he brings.Watch: How Do We Heal after Others Hurt Us?20 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 8When you’re afraid ofwhat others think of you1 JOHN 4:18 PSALM 27:1 PROVERBS 29:25Sometimes we can let the fear of others or our desireto please people drive our thoughts and dictateour actions. That’s never a wise path to follow, itwill always lead to defeat and disillusionment. Godreminds us that the fear of man is a trap, but hisperfect love casts out all fear. Pray he would showyou what changes you need to set in place today, soyou care more about living for him, and less aboutstriving to please others.21 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 1 9When you’refacing giantsPSALM 118:6–7 ISAIAH 54:17 JUDGES 6:12When the odds seem stacked against us andwe’re face to face with big obstacles, it can feelinsurmountable. But often, this is the very placewhere God shows up strong on our behalf. He seesvictory, when we see defeat. Pray that he will do whatseems impossible on your behalf, that he would helpyou to stand strong in wisdom and faith, believing hisWord that no weapon formed against us will prosper.22 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 0When you need newstrength in the journeyPHILIPPIANS 3:12–14 ISAIAH 40:30–31 EPHESIANS 3:20–21Even the best warriors get tired, battle-weary. Noneof us are immune to deep weariness and fatigue,it reminds us of our limitations. But God is foreverstrong and fills us afresh with his strength andpower to stay on the journey. Pray for the freshfilling of God’s Spirit in your life to combat worry andstrengthen you in weakness. Ask him to help youpress on, making the most of every opportunity.Believe that he is able to do more than you could everimagine.23 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 1When the enemyseems hot on your trailPSALM 32:7 1 PETER 5:8–10 DEUTERONOMY 20:4Some days the enemy seems to be close behind,whispering lies, trying to bring discouragement,defeat, or temptation to trip us up. But God is ourhiding place, our refuge, and deliverer. He reminds ushe is with us, fights for us, and is the one who bringsvictory in our lives over the enemy’s schemes. AskGod to help you to be alert and wise to the enemy’sschemes, thank him for the victory he gives throughhis power. Thank him that he is always with you andhe is strong on your behalf against any oppositionyou face. Pray for his protection to surround you andyour family like a strong tower.24 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 2When you can’tfind your joyPSALM 30:5 NEHEMIAH 8:10 PSALM 94:19Problems, worry, and stress have an incredible way ofstealing our joy. Pray that God will renew your mindin him, that his joy would fill your heart and be yourstrength today. Thank him that true joy and peace arenever dependent on our external circumstances, butare found in him alone.25 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 3When you need to bereminded of God’s protectionPSALM 91In a world that can often feel like a scary place, fearand worry sometimes get the best of us. We long forGod’s protection, and for his constant presence overthose we love. His Word reminds us over and over notto fear, but to be confident he is near. Pray throughthe verses of Psalm 91, ask God for his protectionand covering over your family and home. Pray for thepeace of his Spirit to help you rest, knowing that withhim, we dwell in safety. Thank him that he is our rock,our shield, and deliverer.Write: In your journal, make 3 columns: Promises,Truths, and Commands. Re-read Psalm 91 and writedown every truth, promise and command that youread. Then meditate on these truths and promises,asking God to help you remember them in momentsof fear.26 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 4When you forgethow valued you areJEREMIAH 29:11 ISAIAH 43:1–4 ZEPHANIAH 3:17Feeling unloved and undervalued can lead us tofeeling insignificant in this life. It can stir up worrydeep within that we have no lasting value or realpurpose here. And it’s not true. God has destinedus with specific purposes and callings in this life. Heloves us with an everlasting love and fills us with hishope, constantly reminding us that he is leading us.Pray you would be aware of his presence, loving you,guiding you, directing you with purpose and hope.Ask God to help you see yourself as he sees you, histreasured child, cherished, and greatly valued.27 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 5When you need to rememberthat God is in controlROMANS 8:28 MATTHEW 28:20B PSALM 46:1–2No matter what we face, God hasn’t lost control. Itmay seem like life is too chaotic and uncertain, butGod is steadfast, immovable, and strong. He doesn’tchange based on our circumstances. Nothing takeshim unaware. And he can turn around for goodwhatever hard times we walk through in this life. Praythat God will work out all things for good in your life,that whatever trial has caused worry and fear, he willturn it around to bring glory to himself. Trust that heis able to show himself strong on your behalf. Laydown all that concerns you, and allow him to carry itfor you.Read: Escaping the Anxiety Trap by Amy Carroll28 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 6When you feel likeGod’s forgotten youLAMENTATIONS 3:22–23 PHILIPPIANS 1:6 ISAIAH 55:8–9If you’re living and breathing today, you can beassured God still has great purpose in store for you.His faithfulness is great and his mercies are newevery morning. He has not, and will not, ever forgetyou. His timing is not always on our timetable, hisways and thoughts are higher than ours, but wecan know that our times are safe in his hands. Praythat God’s grace for this day would surround you,reminding you that he has good still in store. Thankhim that he is faithful to complete all he has preparedfor you to walk in. Thank him that his timing is perfectand ask for his help to trust his ways, even when youcan’t fully see or understand.29 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 7When you’re afraid ofmaking a wrong decisionPSALM 32:8 JAMES 1:5 PROVERBS 3:5–6Sometimes the fear of making a wrong decision canleave us stuck, unable to make any decisions at all.We’re afraid of making a huge mistake, so we don’t doanything. But God doesn’t want us to live driven byfear. He promises he will guide our steps and help usin every decision in life. Pray he will give you wisdomin every circumstance, guidance for every decision.Trust him in every open door and every closed doorto. Believe that God has your best at heart and isfaithful to lead you as you trust in him.Read: A Prayer to Know God’s Will for Your Life byRachel-Claire Cockrell30 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 8When you feelweary and burdenedMATTHEW 11:28–30 PSALM 55:22 ISAIAH 40:28–29We were never intended to carry the load of caresthat we so often do. We’re not equipped for the typesof burdens we try to shoulder on our own. But Godis. And he promises to give us strength and rest aswe give our burdens to him. Pray that God will helpyou to lay it all down, again. Thank him that he knowsour weakness and helps us in our needs. Pray for hisrest and assurance today, that he will care for all thatconcerns you. Ask him to fill you with his peace.31 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 2 9When you feeltoo brokenISAIAH 49:13 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 HEBREWS 4:16When you feel like you can’t go on—when you feellike the pieces of shattered life and problems willnot ever be able to be adequately fixed—there isdeep fear that sets in. Though times of brokennessmay forever change our lives, our God is healer andrestorer of the broken. He is able to make all thingsnew. Pray and trust God to take every broken piece ofyour life and put it together into a new and beautifuldesign. Choose to set aside fearful, anxious thoughts,and set your mind on what is true. Thank him that hisgrace is sufficient and his power is made perfect inweakness.32 Find Hope in the Storm

DAY 3 0When you need assuranceof your eternal securityROMANS 8:38–39 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 JOHN 10:28–29Fear of the unknown, fear of dying, fear of whereyou will spend eternity—this can sometimes bringcrippling anxiety in life. When we believe in ChristJesus and have given our lives to him, recognizing hisdeath on the cross on our behalf and accepting theforgiveness and new life he offers, we have a futureand a hope in heaven with him. Nothing can changethat truth. No one can snatch us out of his hand.Pray that God will help you to trust him, confess yourneed for him as Savior and Lord, believing that he iswith you always and is preparing a place for you ineternity as well. Thank him for his great gift of loveand sacrifice on your behalf. Thank him that your lifeis hidden in Christ and you have no reason to fear.33 Find Hope in the Storm

LET’S REVIEWLook back on the list of anxieties or fears you wrotedown from Day 1. Take a moment to reflect how hasreading and praying through God’s promises thismonth helped you put those fears in their properplace? How has God spoken to you through his Word?Take a minute and write down or pray aloud a prayerto God of thanksgiving, thanking him for his steadfastlove, his unending grace and the promise of eternitywith him.34 Find Hope in the Storm

MORE PRAYERRESOURCESThis prayer guide is part of our larger Prayersresource meant to inspire and encourage your prayerlife when you face uncertain times. Visit our mostpopular prayers if you are wondering how to pray orwhat to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedesfor us and God knows your heart even if you can’tfind the words to pray.Portions of this prayer guide are adapted from blogs and articles by DebbieMcDaniel with permission from the author.35 Find Hope in the Storm

5 Find Hope in the Storm PHILIPPIANS 4:6–9 ISAIAH 26:3–4 JOHN 14:27 The enemy will lure us towards panic