Promises About Sharing Joy

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also 

overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as 

you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Hebrews 6:10

Promises About Friendship

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.  

Proverbs 17:17

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Jesus says, "Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, 

I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

Revelations 3:20

A Perfect Friendship

Friendship is good for your health -- even your cardiovascular and immune systems.  We need good friends even if we have wonderful husbands.  We need the companionship of others in the body of Christ.  We need other women to laugh and cry with.

When we're all anchored in the same harbor, we're able to help each other patch the holes in our boats.  If a friend has hurt my feelings,  I find it hard to be honest about that.  But sometimes speaking the truth about a hurt is very important.  When we can walk through that field with a few thorns in the grass and make it to the other side, our friendships will be stronger and our joy will be real.

Real friendship grows when we are prepared to be there equally in the bad moments and the good, when we weep with those who weep -- and rejoice with those who rejoice.

Sheila Walsh

Promises About Celebrating Your Days

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have se the Lord always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

Psalm 16:5-9

Promises About Joy and Peace

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Isaiah 26:12

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2 Peter 1:2-3

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in very way.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Jesus Gives Joy and Peace

Jesus is the one who offers us the confidence that no matter how risky life becomes or what tragedy befalls us, he will be our peacemaker.  That adds to my security.  No matter how devastating my fall, or even how debilitating my crash, he will be there for me.  Our safety is not in the Lord preventing all our falls, but in the net of peace he spreads beneath regardless of what befalls us.  He will ultimately use our slips and spills.  When we fall, he helps us begin again.

God's peace isn't fragile.  Not only can't it be broken; it is powerful.  It isn't the absence of problems that demonstrates peace, but being able to rest in the midst of turmoil and threat.  That's when we exemplify the "peace that passes understanding."

Patsy Clairmont

Promises About the Benefits of Laughter

The cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart,
for it is now that God favors what you do.
Ecclesiastes 9:7

A man's spirit sustains him in sickness.
Proverbs 18:14

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25

Promises About a Good Attitude

A happy heart makes the face cheerful.  

Proverbs 15:13

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat nd drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil -- this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Promises About Our Point of View

There is a time for everything, 

and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, 

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1

It's Better to Laugh

God has given women the power to move on in life thorugh the contagion of laughter.  I've spent the past several years collecting quips about laughter and sayings that make me laugh.  I have a lot of quotes about dieting, middle age, motherhood, husbands, wrinkles, love -- you name it:  all those hot spots in a woman's life that would kill us if we let them get us down.  The secret is to not let them get you down.  The secret of not letting them get you down is to laugh about them.

We can sigh about things, or we can laugh.  Both these responses release pressure, but which is the most fun?  Whatever it is probably won't go away, so we might as well live and laugh through it.  When we double over laughing, we're bending so we won't break.  If you think your particular troubles are too heavy and too traumatic to laugh about, remember that laughing is like changing a baby's diaper.  It doesn't solve any problems permanently, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.

Barbara Johnson

Promises About the Renewal of Hope

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3

By two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.  We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:18-19

This I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23

Promises About God's Sovereignty

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," Jesus says, "who is, and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelations 1:8

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Psalm 24:1

Christ is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation.  For by him all things were created:  things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17

The Star of the Show

I need to be reminded of who takes care of me and who is in charge of all the events in my life.  When I'm congratulating myself on my confidence and skill, it's easy to forget who my safety net is.  Fortunately, God doesn't let me be the star of the show from start to finish.  Sometimes he turns things completely upside down so that what is happening does not make sense to me at all!  I'm forced to cling to him and rest in his peace that passes understanding.

You may find yourself in the middle of circumstances that don't make sense to you.  You may be surrounded by people who would never be your choice.  Possibly God is reminding you that "the battle is the Lord's" and the way he wins battles is often through people and events we'd never even think of, much less choose.  Oddly enough, that knowledge takes the pressure off of me.  I can quit striving, plotting, maneuvering.  I am not the star of the show; God is.  That brings me outrageous peace. 

written by Marilyn Meberg

Promises About Faith

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."   Matthew 17:20


The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15


In Christ and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  Ephesians 3:12


Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  Romans 3:22

Pain Has A Purpose

When we realize our days here matter, our pain has significance, and our choices are meaningful, we can step through the darkest of times with hope in your hearts.  It's not that we won't waver, but even our inquiries have the potential, when we are seeking, to lead us to a stronger faith. 

I find that my joy is enlarged by understanding that, as a child of God, even my pain has purpose.  That realization doesn't eliminate my pain, but it makes it more manageable, allowing me other emotions in the midst of calamity, even joy.

The Power of Faith

Everybody experiences difficult situations in life.  Things that make us want to scream out or give up.  Deprivations.  Sacrifices.  Losses.  Misunderstandings.  But isn't there some way for the Christian to respond without getting mad at God?  Otherwise, what's the good of our faith?  There has to be some key to being joyful in the midst of discouraging circumstances and crabby people.  What is it?

It's taking god at his Word.  It's believing he will do what he says, no matter how things look or how we feel.  Nobody said it would be easy.  If you find any Scripture that even hints that life will be easy, call me collect.  Please.  But I can tell you now ... it ain't in there!  However, trusting God with everything we have, everything we are, every problem that is ours, every loss we endure, every battle we face, every person who disappoints us --with thanksgiving-- gives us the grace to come through it with flying colors.

written by Luci Swindoll

Promises About a Happy Heart

You have made known to me the path of life, O Lord; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11


Be glad ... rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.  He send you abundant showers, both autumn and springs rain, as before.   Joel 2:23


Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5


You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.  Psalm 30:11-12

Laughter is Good Medicine

If you laugh a lot, when you are older all your wrinkles will be in the right places!

Promises About Turning the Tables on Trouble

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33


I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.  2 Corinthians 7:4


I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39


The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.  Psalm 9:9

Angry, Bored, or Dull

Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored, or dull.  That was never God's intention.  Maybe boredom and dullness aren't on any list of sins in the Bible, but they will sap your joy if you tolerate them.

Promises About Struggles

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.  Proverbs 10:25

Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5

God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  James 1:2-3

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   Romans 5:3-5

God's Grace in the Midst of Tough Times

How do we enjoy God's grace in the midst of tough times?  First we have to make a habit of drinking deeply of the grace God promises, every moment.  We have to uncover our soul and let grace soak us to our roots.

Second, we have to keep our sense of humor.  I find it helpful to have a few things up my sleeve for those tougher-than-usual days when the melons are landing on my head.  I have several funny videos that just knock me over.  Photographs of my friends and family always cheer me up.  So does getting out into the fresh air and walking.  Sometimes I read one of my favorite Psalms.

God is all around us, longing to talk to us, to love us, to lift us up.  Make up your own survival kit.  Find things that you know can lift you above the hubbub in your house and in your head.

written by Sheila Walsh

Surviving Struggles

Let your joy out. One way I do that is to give people something to laugh about.  How?  I collect jokes and write down everything I hear that makes me brighten up.  I make amusement a ministry because chuckles are better than a therapist.  They are aloe vera for he sunburns of life.  When the dumps take their toll, laughter provides the exact change to get you through. 

Whatever your troubles, try looking at them by the light of another source or a different star.  Go ahead; don't be afraid.  Find a wacky angle, a new twist.  Offer trouble a little serious thought, then turn it upside down and look at it through God-colored glasses.  Chew on trouble's possibilities for make you smarter, better, stronger, kinder.

Sample some weird and wonderful Jelly Bellies, Gobstoppers, or Sweet Tarts while you do that.  Then take the curved weapon I call joy and toss trouble by its funny side out into the world.

written by Barbara Johnson

Promises About Praise

I will praise you as long as I live, Lord, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  Psalm 63:4-5


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  Ephesians 1:3-4


As the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.  Isaiah 61:11

An Attitude of Praise

Praising God in song lifts our spirits, clears our heads, and opens a place for the Holy Spirit to speak to us.  God extends care to us by meeting our every need and comforting us when we go through trials.  Don't you think we have something to sing about?  Want to lift your spirits from the hustle and bustle of the day?  Sing to the Lord.  When praises go up, blessings come down.  Now isn't that something to sing about?

Promises About Our Response to Trouble

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28


For Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10


Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  
Romans 8:18


Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

A Right Response

I cannot prevent the perplexities of life, but I can choose how I respond to them.  When I need a pity party, I literally set my clock for fifteen minutes.  Within that time frame, I whine and wail, beat myself up, throw a temper tantrum, break something or whatever I feel is appropriate to my circumstances at he moment.  When the alarm sounds, I know that's my cue to cut it out.

Admittedly, sometimes I've had to set the clock four times before I got it all out of my system!  But I think that one hour is long enough to stay in a state of insanity.  After I've used up my four times to reset the clock, I force myself to STOP.  I force myself to start praise music.  I just say, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus."  The enemy of our soul flees at the name of Jesus.

While in this process, I calm down.  I start thinking more clearly.  I'm not as inclined to make irrational decisions.  If this works for me, it will certainly work for you. 

written by Thelma Wells

Promises for Your Busy Days

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says... "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  Jeremiah 31:23, 25


God gives strength to the wary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and wary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31


He who dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
Psalm 91:1

Laughter is Good Medicine

I feel encased within a timepiece that can at times rob me of my peace.  Left unto ourselves, some of us would race and others of us would rust.  Either way we would speed past or sleep through the joy.  We need to make peace with the timepiece so we don't spend our time beating our heads against the clock.

Here are some tips.  I'll try them if you will.

1.  Don't cram everyday so full you can't enjoy the journey.
2.  Don't under-plan and miss the thrill of a fruitful day.
3.  Don't underestimate a nap, rocking chair, and a good book.
4.  Don't become a sloth.
5.  Do offer your gratitude for the moments assigned to you.
6.  Do celebrate even the passing of days.

Patsy Clairmont

Promises About Worry

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
Luke 12:22-24

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Promises About Peace

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   John 14:27

The Lord blesses his people with peace.  Psalm 29:11

You, Lord, will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Isaiah 26:3

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.  Isaiah 32:17

Finding Peace

The accent may be on youth these days, but the stress is on adults.  Always reflecting on the things we haven't done, we start each day worrying earlier and stay up later to worry every night. 

A certain parish priest patented a method for making holy water.  I figure it's a good way to deal with worries, too.  He took a big pot, filled it with water, turned up the heat, and boiled the devil out of it. 

And guilt?  Why not boil the devil out of that, too?  After all, we'll always have those things we shouldn't have done but did anyway.  So we end up wasting time dragging our burden of guilt in the dirt instead of getting it washed.

Cares are the tools God uses to fashion us for the better things.  He uses reverses to move us forward.  Reverses and cares bow us down low until we finally drop to our knees.  But a lot of kneeling keeps us in good standing because it brings us closer to God.  Being close to God, we find peace.

Barbara Johnson
Laughter for a Woman's Soul

Promises About Hope

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.  Proverbs 13:12

Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?   Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11

Everything that was written int he past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.   Romans 15:4

Never Give Up Hope

Hope is a precious gift of our salvation.  While w can "hope" that our kids don't spill their soda, we must remember that our only reliable hope is in what we cannot see or control:  the outrageous faithfulness of God.  Our responsibility to him as his children is to study his character so we will know, without a doubt, that whatever way he deals with our circumstances in life, it's the right way.  Even when things don't work out the way we planned or desired, he is all-knowing, all-loving, the beginning and the ending.  Hope is acting on the conviction that despite what we see with the natural eye, God is working in the spiritual realm to accomplish his perfect will in our lives.  His hope does not disappoint!

God's Word declares hope. God's promises proclaim hope.  We must think hope.  Speak hope.  Pray hope.  Sing hope.  Act hope.  Share hope.  In other words, get our hopes up.  Because hope has been given to us, we can expect the best, even in the worst conditions.  Praise God!

Sheila Walsh
Laughter for a Woman's Soul

Promises About Your Life's Direction

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

This is what the Lord says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:  "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." 
Isaiah 48:17

God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.   Psalm 48:14

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it."   Isaiah 30:21

Promises About Peculiar People

You are a people holy to the Lord your God.  Deuteronomy 14:2

The Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.  He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God as he promised. 
Deuteronomy 26:18-19

Jesus Christ...gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  Titus 2:13-14

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

Laughter for a Woman's Soul

Promises About Freedom

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

I run in the path of your commands, Lord, for you have set my heart free.  Psalm 119:32

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Galatians 5:1

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.  John 8:32

Promises About Finding Eternal Good Humor

Jesus said, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."    John 16:22

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.    Psalm 118:1

Finding Eternal Good Humor

Genuine versus counterfeit.  Real versus fake.  Joy versus happiness.  Joy gives me calm assurance even though I go through the valley of the shadow of death.  Joy enables me to hold my peace when people say and do ugly things to me.  When we go through troubles, afflictions, persecution, danger, illness, and distress, when the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, we can have genuine joy in our hearts.

Joy is permanent.  Once you have it, you never lose it.  It may be overshadowed by human frailties, but real joy lasts for eternity.

Thelma Wells
Laughter for a Woman's Soul

Promises About Making Mistakes

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 
1 John 1:9

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all our sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you will love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:2-5

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten, "says the Lord.
Joel 2:25