WORDS for your PSYCHE - Part I

Old Testament: Books of Esther, Job and Psalms

“The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” (Job 28:28 / NLT)

ESTHER

“Queen Esther answered, ’If it please Your Majesty to grant my humble request, my wish is that I may live and that my people may live. My people and I have been sold for slaughter. If it were nothing more serious than being sold into slavery, I would have kept quiet and not bothered you about it; but we are about to be destroyed….’ The king got up in a fury….” (Esther 7:3-4 and 7 / TEV)

JOB

“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21 / NLT)

“The wise don’t engage in empty chatter. What good are such words?” (Job 15:3 / NLT)

“Though the pride of the godless reaches to the heavens and their heads touch the clouds, yet they will vanish forever, thrown away like their own dung.” (Job 20:6-7 / NLT)

“Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold.” (Job 28:17 / NLT)

“The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” (Job 28:28 / NLT)

“Then the Lord answered Job from a whirlwind: ’Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?’” (Job 38:1-2 / NLT)

PSALMS

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 / NIV)

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 / NIV)

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise....” (Psalm 8:2 / NIV)

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 18:2 / NIV)

“He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 / NIV)

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1 / NIV)

“The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” (Psalm 19:9-10 / NIV)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3 / NIV)

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.” (Psalm 34:4-6 / NLT)

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 / NLT)

“Lord, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. People and animals are in your care. How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light.” (Psalm 36:5-9 / TEV)

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2 / NIV)

“Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 / NIV)

“O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:15 / NIV)

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17 / NIV)

“You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. You crushed the great sea monster. You scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours, and the earth is yours; everything in the world is yours - you created it all.” (Psalm 89:9-11 / NLT)

“Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, ’You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.’ He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight…. God says, ’I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them.’” (Psalm 91:1-6 and 14-16 / TEV)

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:1-3 / NLT)

“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:5 / NLT)

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:5-6 / NLT)

“Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!” (Psalm 118:15)

“This is the day the Lord has brought about. We will be happy and rejoice in it.” (Psalm 118:24 / NET)

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.” (Psalm 119:1-2 / NLT)

“I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:14-16 / NLT)

“Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” (Psalm 119:35 / NLT)

“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” (Psalm 119:45 / NLT)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 / NLT)

“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” (Psalm 119:114 / NLT)

“The teaching of your word gives light so that even the simple can understand…. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” (Psalm 119:130 and 133 / NLT)

“I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162 / NLT)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1-3 / NLT)