When Life Feels Upside-Down

Scripture Index — Thematically Grouped

1) God Near to the Broken, Refuge in Trouble

• Psalm 34:18 — "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
• Psalm 51:17 — "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
• Psalm 147:3 — "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
• Psalm 61:2 — "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
• Psalm 62:8 — "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
• Psalm 46:1–2 — "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"
• Psalm 46:5 — "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early."
• Isaiah 57:15 — "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

2) Strength in Weakness; Sufficiency in Christ

• 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 — "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
• 2 Corinthians 4:7–9 — "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"
• 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 — "For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:"
• Philippians 4:11–13 — "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
• Psalm 73:26 — "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
• 2 Timothy 4:17 — "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."

3) Trials, Affliction, Refining ("Through the Fire")

• Romans 5:3–5 — "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
• James 1:2–4 — "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
• 1 Peter 1:6–7 — "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
• 1 Peter 4:12–13 — "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
• 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 — "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
• Psalm 119:67 — "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."
• Psalm 119:71 — "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
• Lamentations 3:22–24 — "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him."
• Isaiah 43:2 — "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
• Isaiah 48:10 — "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
• Zechariah 13:9 — "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God."
• Malachi 3:2–3 — "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness."
• Job 23:10 — "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
• Psalm 66:10–12 — "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."

4) God's Unchanging Character; He Keeps His Word

• Hebrews 13:8 — "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
• Malachi 3:6 — "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
• James 1:17 — "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
• Numbers 23:19 — "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
• Joshua 21:45 — "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."
• Joshua 23:14 — "And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof."
• 1 Kings 8:56 — "Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant."
• Hebrews 6:17–19 — "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"

5) Fatherly Knowledge, Compassion, and Care

• Exodus 3:7 — "And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;"
• Psalm 56:8 — "Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?"
• Psalm 103:13–14 — "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."
• Matthew 7:11 — "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
• Matthew 10:29–31 — "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows."
• Isaiah 49:15–16 — "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

6) Creator of Stars, Sea, and All Things

• Psalm 146:6 — "Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:"
• Psalm 147:4 — "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."
• Isaiah 40:26 — "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth."
• Jeremiah 31:35 — "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:"
• Psalm 89:9 — "Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them."

7) Calming Storms; Making a Way; Timely Help

• Mark 4:39–41 — "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
• Psalm 107:28–30 — "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 — "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
• Isaiah 59:1 — "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
• Isaiah 46:4 — "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you."
• Psalm 50:15 — "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
• Psalm 40:1–3 — "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."
• Psalm 121:1–2 — "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."
• Isaiah 30:18 — "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him."
• Habakkuk 2:3 — "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
• Galatians 6:9 — "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
• Nahum 1:7 — "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

8) Decision Points; Perseverance; "Hold Fast"

• Joel 3:14 — "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision."
• Deuteronomy 30:19 — "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
• Joshua 24:15 — "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
• Psalm 84:5–7 — "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God."
• Hebrews 10:36–39 — "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
• Hebrews 12:1–3 — "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
• 1 Peter 5:8–9 — "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
• James 4:7 — "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
• Revelation 12:11 — "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
• 2 Corinthians 2:11 — "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."

9) Spiritual Battle; The Cost of Discipleship

• Ephesians 6:10–13, 16 — "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. … Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
• 1 Timothy 6:12 — "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
• 2 Timothy 4:7 — "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
• 2 Chronicles 20:15 — "And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."
• Exodus 14:14 — "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
• Psalm 144:1 — "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:"
• Zechariah 4:6 — "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
• Luke 14:27 — "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."
• Acts 14:22 — "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
• John 15:20 — "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
• 2 Timothy 3:12 — "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
• Hebrews 12:5–7, 11 — "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? … Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."

10) Surrender, Trust, and Finding Life

• Matthew 16:24–25 — "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
• Galatians 2:20 — "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
• Philippians 3:8 — "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 — "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
• John 12:24–25 — "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
• Proverbs 3:5–6 — "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

11) Presence, Rest, and Peace in the Storm

• Matthew 11:28–30 — "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
• John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
• John 16:33 — "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
• Isaiah 26:3–4 — "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"
• Isaiah 40:29–31 — "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
• Psalm 23:1–4 — "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

12) Not Forsaken; God With Us

• Deuteronomy 31:6 — "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
• Deuteronomy 31:8 — "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
• Joshua 1:9 — "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."
• Isaiah 41:10 — "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 41:13 — "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
• Hebrews 13:5–6 — "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
• Psalm 37:25 — "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."
• 1 Kings 8:57 — "The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:"

13) Preservation, Security, and Hope

• Psalm 118:17 — "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD."
• Proverbs 18:10 — "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
• Psalm 91:1–4, 14–15 — "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. … Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."
• John 10:28–29 — "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
• Jude 24–25 — "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."
• Romans 8:28 — "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
• Romans 8:35, 37–39 — "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
• Psalm 27:13–14 — "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."
• Hebrews 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
• Deuteronomy 8:3 — "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live."

14) Remembering Past Deliverance; Testimony

• 1 Samuel 7:12 — "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."
• Psalm 77:11–12 — "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."
• Psalm 103:2 — "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"
• Deuteronomy 8:2 — "And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no."
• Psalm 126:3 — "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad."
• Psalm 138:8 — "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
• Philippians 1:6 — "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

15) Exemplars of Deliverance — "He'll Do It Again"

• Exodus 14:21, 31 — "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. … And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."
• Exodus 15:2 — "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him."
• Daniel 6:22–23 — "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God."
• Daniel 3:17–18 — "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
• Daniel 3:25 — "He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
• Daniel 3:27 — "And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them."

Core Human Experiences

1. Overwhelm & Disorientation

• Emotions: fear, confusion, anxiety.

• Inner lines: "My world's caving in… I can't see straight."

• Movement: naming reality → grounding → next right step.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Psalm 61:2 — "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
  • Psalm 46:1–2 — "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"
  • Psalm 34:18 — "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
  • Psalm 62:8 — "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."
  • Isaiah 57:15 — "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
  • Matthew 11:28–30 — "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
  • John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

2. Weakness & Vulnerability

• Emotions: inadequacy, shame, fatigue.

• Inner lines: "I can't carry this; I'm not enough."

• Movement: asking for help → receiving support → discovering resilience.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 — "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… for when I am weak, then am I strong."
  • Psalm 73:26 — "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
  • 2 Timothy 4:17 — "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me…"
  • Hebrews 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
  • Psalm 147:3 — "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."

3. Aloneness Vs. Presence

• Emotions: isolation, then relief/comfort.

• Inner lines: "I'm alone in this" → "I wasn't forsaken."

• Movement: honest lament → sensed companionship → courage.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 — "…for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
  • Joshua 1:9 — "…for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
  • Isaiah 41:10 — "Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee… I will help thee…"
  • Hebrews 13:5–6 — "…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee… The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear…"
  • Psalm 37:25 — "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken…"
  • Psalm 23:4 — "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…"

4. Waiting & Uncertainty (Deferred Outcomes)

• Emotions: impatience, frustration, restlessness.

• Inner lines: "When will help come?"

• Movement: patience-in-action → hope with a clock → eventual clarity.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Psalm 40:1–3 — "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry…"
  • Isaiah 30:18 — "…the LORD will wait, that he may be gracious unto you… blessed are all they that wait for him."
  • Habakkuk 2:3 — "…though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come…"
  • Galatians 6:9 — "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
  • Psalm 27:13–14 — "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD… Wait on the LORD… he shall strengthen thine heart…"

5. Decision Under Pressure (Valley Moments)

• Emotions: ambivalence, dread, urgency.

• Inner lines: "Give up or hold fast?"

• Movement: values check → choose the costly good → resolve.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Joel 3:14 — "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision…"
  • Deuteronomy 30:19 — "…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…"
  • Joshua 24:15 — "…choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
  • Hebrews 12:1–3 — "…let us run with patience the race that is set before us… lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
  • Proverbs 3:5–6 — "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart… and he shall direct thy paths."

6. Contending/Fighting Through

• Emotions: grit, determination, pushback against despair.

• Inner lines: "This is a fight worth having."

• Movement: armor up → set boundaries → persevere.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Ephesians 6:10–13, 16 — "Put on the whole armour of God…"
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 — "Fight the good fight of faith…"
  • 2 Timothy 4:7 — "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"
  • 2 Chronicles 20:15 — "…the battle is not yours, but God's."
  • Hebrews 10:36–39 — "For ye have need of patience… we are not of them who draw back…"

7. Surrender & Trust (Letting Go of Control)

• Emotions: release, humility, paradoxical peace.

• Inner lines: "I can't, but maybe I don't have to."

• Movement: relinquish outcomes → rely on greater strength → steadiness.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Matthew 16:24–25 — "…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself… whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
  • Galatians 2:20 — "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…"
  • John 12:24–25 — "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die… he that loseth his life… shall keep it…"
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 — "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
  • Proverbs 3:5–6 — "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart… and he shall direct thy paths."

8. Refining Pain (Meaning-Making in Suffering)

• Emotions: ache, then purpose.

• Inner lines: "Why this?" → "This pain is shaping me."

• Movement: integrate losses → mature character → new capacity.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Isaiah 43:2 — "When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned…"
  • Isaiah 48:10 — "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
  • 1 Peter 1:6–7 — "…ye are in heaviness… That the trial of your faith… though it be tried with fire…"
  • Romans 5:3–5 — "We glory in tribulations… tribulation worketh patience…"
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 — "Our light affliction… worketh… an eternal weight of glory;"
  • Psalm 119:71 — "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
  • Job 23:10 — "…when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

9. Remembering Past Deliverance

• Emotions: gratitude, renewed confidence.

• Inner lines: "He showed up before; He'll show up again."

• Movement: rehearse wins → stabilize faith → re-enter the fray.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • 1 Samuel 7:12 — "…Ebenezer… Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."
  • Psalm 77:11–12 — "I will remember the works of the LORD…"
  • Psalm 103:2 — "Bless the LORD… and forget not all his benefits:"
  • Deuteronomy 8:2 — "And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee…"
  • Philippians 1:6 — "…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…"
  • Exodus 15:2 — "The LORD is my strength and song… he is become my salvation…"
  • Daniel 6:22–23 — "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths…"

10. Identity & Worth Beyond Performance

• Emotions: acceptance, dignity, relief.

• Inner lines: "Empty hands still belong."

• Movement: detach worth from outcomes → act from secure identity.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Psalm 103:13–14 — "Like as a father pitieth his children… he remembereth that we are dust."
  • Matthew 10:29–31 — "…the very hairs of your head are all numbered… ye are of more value…"
  • John 10:28–29 — "…they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
  • Jude 24–25 — "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling…"
  • Romans 8:35, 37–39 — "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?… Nor height, nor depth… shall be able to separate us from the love of God…"

11. Faith Mixed with Doubt (Honest Ambivalence)

• Emotions: hope and skepticism coexisting.

• Inner lines: "I believe—help my unbelief."

• Movement: bring doubt into the light → act while uncertain.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Mark 4:39–41 — "…Peace, be still… Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
  • John 16:33 — "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
  • Psalm 40:1–3 — "I waited patiently… he brought me up… and set my feet upon a rock…"
  • Isaiah 26:3–4 — "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…"
  • Hebrews 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly… that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

12. Community-Mediated Help

• Emotions: comfort, belonging, courage.

• Inner lines: "I don't stand tests alone."

• Movement: ask → receive → reciprocate.

  Relevant Scriptures:

  • Hebrews 12:1–3 — "Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…"
  • 1 Peter 5:8–9 — "…your adversary the devil… Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren…"
  • Hebrews 13:5–6 — "…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee… The Lord is my helper…"
  • Psalm 121:1–2 — "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills… My help cometh from the LORD…"
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8–9 — "…we were pressed out of measure… that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:"

Universal Metaphors that Land

• Fire (refining, not consuming)
  Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 48:10; 1 Peter 1:6–7; Zechariah 13:9

• Valley (decision, shadow, low points)
  Joel 3:14; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 84:5–7

• Burden/Cross (costly commitment)
  Matthew 16:24–25; Luke 14:27

• Storm/Furnace (chaos, testing)
  Mark 4:39–41; Daniel 3:17–18, 25, 27

• Rock/Strong Tower (stability, safety)
  Psalm 61:2; Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 46:1

• Path/Mountain (endurance, ascent)
  Hebrews 12:1–3; Isaiah 40:29–31; Proverbs 3:5–6

Practical Ways to Leverage These

• Three-move reflection:
  Name it → Where have you seen help show up before? → What's the next faithful step within your control?
  • Psalm 77:11–12; 1 Samuel 7:12; Proverbs 3:5–6
• Two-column exercise:
  "What I cannot control" / "What I can do today" (surrender + action).
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 46:4
• "Ebenezer" scan:
  List past "showed up" moments and pair each with one present fear.
  • 1 Samuel 7:12; Psalm 103:2; Deuteronomy 8:2
• Decision filter:
  In the valley: What aligns with my values even if it costs more right now?
  • Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Hebrews 10:36–39
• Community check:
  Who are the two people I'll text today to either ask for help or encourage?
  • Hebrews 12:1–3; 1 Peter 5:8–9; Hebrews 13:5–6