1. “For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
Often we are called upon in our lives to wage war, not in the sense of guns and soldiers, but to fight an injustice or simply to persevere against a personal obstacle. It’s important to stay calm and grounded while battling our difficulties in life. Giving in to despair or anger may lose our chance at victory, or worse, turn us into what we struggle against. In times of struggle, look to your Higher Power, your religious leader, or a trusted mentor to advise you and help you stay grounded in the positive.
2. “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13
When we are faced with hard times, it’s easy to give in to feelings of hopelessness or desire to inflict wrongs upon others. It takes strength to be positive and look ahead to future contentment and security. The love of friends, family, members of your faith, or a personal relationship with a Higher Power will help you weather the storms and trials that plague us all from time to time. Often, people who have faced difficulties are far more generous and sharing with others in need, having been in that person’s shoes. In my own life, it is because of struggles that I have faced, such as times of poverty, that I am called to ministry.
3. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Life may hand us great difficulties we feel unready for; things that seem too much to handle. No matter the struggle, no matter the blow we are dealt, there will always be an opportunity to achieve. There will always be a chance to grow again. When we cannot see the bright future that lies after the current trials, look to your deity, your family, a trusted friend, or member of your community. We are never utterly destroyed by adversity. Often, it is a chance to grow stronger.
4. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
We may look at our lives and ask why one person achieves greater wealth, fame or success. One might wonder why we suffer certain trials while others seem to glide through life in an ignorant bliss. Whenever we are tested in life, we come away with a greater understanding of values. Experiencing true hunger, need, or suffering enlightens our understanding far beyond the conflicting laws or social mores that the world’s different peoples embrace. Surviving tests and trials that plague us gives each person a new understanding of their true strength and true self.
5. “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)
One might read this passage and think that it suggests it is better to be patient and abide, rather than fight. In truth, life is often filled with struggle, and there are many times where others might seek to take advantage of our unwariness. It is fine to battle the obstacles in your path, and to stand against injustice; to stand up for your rights or for your loved ones. However, always temper your warrior’s heart with patience and compassion for others. To fight or to struggle against obstacles, whether they are people or intangible forces, without keeping love in your heart leads to the path of a conqueror. Keep your family, your deity, or love for your fellow man in your heart and your struggles will always be just.
6. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
In reading this passage one might get the idea that only the righteous are able to seek the protection of a God or Higher Power. Often in my life I have felt my actions had separated me from the righteous, and that my asking for the protection of God would be met with indifference. This is not the case. In fact, “the righteous”, is not a label that suggests a person’s moral character; it means that you have “the right” to ask for help at any time. Whenever you struggle you can ask for the help of your deity or Higher Power. Even a person without a religious faith may take strength from the image of the love they share with family and friends, or even their fellow man. No matter what secular philosophy or faith we may be, we might never know for certain if there really is a God that gives us love and strength.
Whenever we are alone, eventually we imagine other people to talk to or guide us; this is simply human nature. Whether there is an imminent god, or whether religions of the Earth are fictions stories that guide our lives, the faith we have in them is entirely real, so is the strength we receive. Any person of any religion, or no religion, may take comfort and strength in the powers of love and faith all around us.
Also By this Author:
5 Bible Verses for Leaders and Speakers
Biblical Inspirations for Protection
Biblical Inspirations for Atheists