Verses to Live By

When I was a young father, the burden of my responsibility for our four children often weighed heavily on me, making it difficult to go to sleep at night.  

During that time I came across some verses that enabled me to rest in the Lord’s provision and protection.  I’d like to share them with you.

  • The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.  Proverbs 21:31
  • What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  Psalm 56:3
  • The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe.  Proverbs 18:10
  • I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for thou Lord only makest me to dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8
  • The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them.  Psalm 34:7
  • Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.  Joshua 1:9
  • Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

The verses quoted above from Psalms and Proverbs are general statements of truth that are available for all believer’s benefit.

It is important to understand that many of the promises in the context of Scripture are addressed to specific individuals. The references quoted from Joshua and Isaiah are two examples.

We cannot claim these promises as our own unless there is a general principle or truth taught throughout Scripture common to these promises and therefore available to all believers.  

In Joshua 1:9 God promises that He will be with Joshua wherever he goes.  The New Testament promise from God to believers is; I will never leave thee nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5b).  Believers can therefore claim Joshua 1:9, because God’s promise to Joshua is also His promise to all believers.

Isaiah 41:10 has a similiar parallel to Philippians 4:13 where Paul declares; I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Claiming promises in the Old Testament, which were made to Israel concerning the possession of lands, borders, etc, and applying them to your present day purchasing decisions is improper Bible interpretation, and is pulling verses out of context. Don’t be surprised if you regret decisions made under such circumstances.