If frightening challenges suddenly come upon us, we may find ourselves gripped with negative feelings. But then comes our opportunity to instantly look "within" for God's all-powerful presence to guide us! This list of quotes from the Bible is intended to help be a "preparation of the gospel of peace" (part of the Armor of God, mentioned in Ephesians 6). Please feel free to print this out and share. All verses are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Following Betty J. Eadie's practice of including affirmations in her book, Embraced by the Light: Prayers & Devotions for Daily Living, I have created my own affirmations, which are placed after many of the Bible verses. Of course, you may use these or create your own.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10
[I have serenity, peace, calmness of spirit, and comfort knowing that God is with me.]

"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 31:16
[God gives me strength and courage to face any foe; with Him I am triumphant.]

"...the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing." James 1:4
[In times of trial, I am patient while trusting the unfoldment of God's perfect plan for all.]

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
[I return love and forgiveness for all that appears as wrong done to me or others; I defend myself and others with love, not fear.]

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40
[I recognize that the beauty and light of Christ is innate within each living spirit on earth even though it may appear clouded over with fear, hatred, or sin. I recognize that Christ Jesus acted only out of love and he is my perfect example. Also, read Embraced by the Light pages 112 to 117.]

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:12
[I acknowledge that the supreme law of Spirit frees us from all evil.]

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8
[I walk in the light of Christ, and as God's child, I am a perfect expression of that light.]

"Ye are the light of the world. ....Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16
[Heavenly Father is the source of all light and it is His goodness that I glorify to bless all.]

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4
[I acknowledge God and His Christ as our life and light.]

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8: 15, 16
[I am not a slave to fear because God is my Father, Spirit, who uses me as His witness.]

"...ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16:22
[I rejoice always knowing that the love of Christ is a constant rock of strength for me.]

"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." John 16:33
[I find peace in Christ's message and encouragement knowing that he has overcome all opposition in showing us the way.]

"...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20
[I am of good courage knowing Christ is always with us.]

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 2:7
[I acknowledge God as our source of power, of love, and of sound, clear thinking.]

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
[I am willing to be governed by God and put absolute faith in Him. I strive to prevent mere human reasoning, personal desires, and selfishness from controlling me. I acknowledge that God knows best what will bring happiness and bless everyone.]

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Philippians 2:13
[I acknowledge that all talent and capability is from our Heavenly Father.]

"...thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57
[I acknowledge with gratitude that Christ's way enables us to succeed in doing good for all.]

"For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us." Isaiah 33:22
[I acknowledge God as the Supreme Ruler over all.]

"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
[I find peace and comfort knowing God loves me and fulfills all my needs.]

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
"Who redeemeth thy life from destruction...."
"The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all."
Psalm 103: 1,4, and 19

Psalms 23 ("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...") and Psalm 91 ("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....") are favorites for safety, protection, and preservation.

"Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:25,26
[Instantly, in every emergency, I turn to God for safety and guidance.]

"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." Proverbs 3:5,6
[I trust God's all-knowing and all-seeing, not my own or others' limited human viewpoints.]

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought..." Isaiah 58:11

"Through God we shall do valiantly...." Psalms 60:12 and 108:13

"Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in his sight." I Chronicles 19:13

"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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication for all saints...." Ephesians 6:10 to 18

I was reminded once that Daniel was saved in the Lion's Den, not from it. While teaching Sunday School to three young boys, I was asked many times to read a child's version of Daniel in the Lion's Den to them. Each time I read it to them I learned a new lesson. During one of these readings, I realized that Daniel's active trust in God inspired a new proclamation that all the kingdom should worship Daniel's God.

I have found that the book of I John gives a great perspective on loving oneself and others.

"...in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15