{SCRLLC14} Scripture Lesson #3, Always

One of my daughter's had heart surgery when she was one. She has had annual cardiologist visits since that time. She takes heart meds, and up until a couple of weeks ago, everything has remained unchanged. Now that she is 19, the thought of having another heart surgery grips her with fear. As things have changed over the past couple of weeks and I watched the fear get a hold of her, I had to remind her that God is her strength. He will hold her up, and He has a plan no matter what the news. Her cardiologist visit turned out fine but then on Friday I needed to apply my own words to myself. I got a call back on my mammogram. I have to go next Friday for more imaging and an ultrasound. Today's song is perfect for anyone dealing with some sort of fear or worry in their lives. It is called "Always" by Kristian Stanfill. To hear him perform our song today, click here. And click here to see the Official Lyrics Video. Here is just a small sampling of the lyrics:

"Oh my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always
Always

Trouble surrounds me, chaos abounding
But my soul will rest in You,
I will not fear the war
I will not fear the storm, my help is on the way
My help is on the way
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord."

So, where does your help come from? In 2 Samuel and Psalms, it tells us:

2 Samuel 22:33 "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

Psalm 121:2 "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

He is our refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance! He is our security—our first line of defense. Do you rest in Him when things are rough, chaotic, or uncertain? With Him we can experience His perfect peace in any circumstance. Keep your thoughts on Him and trust Him. Are you clinging to Him? Or maybe the Lord is bringing someone to your mind that you can share these verses and words with. Is there someone that might need them this week?

Dr. Henrietta C. Mears said "Faith and despair cannot remain in the same heart." She also said "Take your choice—trust God or worry. You cannot really do both." Truly such wise words! And here are some scriptures that I pray will speak to you also.

Psalm 22:19 "But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me."

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 50:15 "And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me."

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal."

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Father, You alone are our refuge and strength. You bring peace to my soul, and I trust that you will never leave me nor forsake me. You know our worries, our fears, our heartaches. Please give each of us peace and strength each day, and may others see You in us as we go through our personal difficulties big or small. It's in your Son's Holy name I pray, Amen.

For my 6x6 page today, I used the Psalm 50:15 verse above. The Lord gave that particular scripture to me in my quiet time on Saturday, and I was truly blessed by it. I want to remember that verse especially. I also used the Flying Unicorn Mojo Monday Sketch. The beautiful cross chipboard I used is from the new Blue Fern Studios Ornate Crosses set. There are three crosses that come in the package, and they are all so beautiful. I also used the Blue Fern Studios Mini Ring Things chipboard.

Papers: Manor House Creations Believe, 7 Dots Studio 9th Wave 

Blue Fern Studios chipboard: Mini Ring Things (painted with Jacquard Lumiere pearl turquoise), Ornate Crosses (colored with Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap and crackle accent) 

Stamps: Provo Craft roller stamp 

Stamp Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink frayed burlap and gathered twigs, Prima fluid chalk ink old road

Sketch: Flying Unicorn Mojo Monday Sketch February 2014 

Embellishments: Petaloo salmon paper flowering vines and pink wild blossoms, May Arts twine, Hobby Lobby doily, Stampin' Up dahlia adornments, Probe playing card, misc. wood veneer hearts, sewing machine

Keywords for your study this week might include: always, help, refuge, and strength.

Remember to use Keyword SCRLLC14 when posting your creations in any online galleries. Also, please leave a link to your creation here using Inlinkz! To see all of the information regarding this challenge and the previous studies, please see this post here. Blessings to you as your study and enjoy His word!