*How God Can Help When I"m Hurting

How God Can Help When I’m Hurting

No matter what we need, God is the answer.

God is aware of our needs. He can help with any hurt or problem that we have. We can meet with Him for a discussion, talking to Him about a resolution. Then leave our needs with Him, trusting that as we surrender all to Him, solutions will come. However, sometimes we need a little help, such as some strategies for overcoming bad habits or hurts in our lives.

Walking in the opposite spirit:One way to find freedom from the pain and suffering that invades our lives is to do what is called “walking in the opposite spirit”. Basically, instead of letting something negative consume your life, you find the opposite of that behavior, and start responding in that behavior. That way you are not necessarily “giving up” a negative behavior; you are just replacing it with a Godly one.

Dr. Phil once stated, “You cannot change a habit, you can only replace it.” This may not be true all the time, but it sure is most of the time.

For instance, in the first area we speak about, which is “anger”, instead of trying so hard not to become angry, make every effort to react in gentleness, kindness, peace, blessing and compassion. By reacting in one of these opposite spirits, you automatically get angry less often. In like manner, if there is a person in your life who is always angry, you can choose to respond in gentleness and kindness.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18.

According to the dictionary, decreeis defined as a rule of law issued by a head of state, i.e. president, according to certain procedure. It has the force of the law behind it.

There is power in decreeing God’s Word, His truth and His character. Isaiah 55:11 tells us that what we speak, when it lines up with God’s Word, will not return to us empty, but will accomplish what He desires.

When we decree Biblical truths, we are destroying the lies of the enemy. We are renewing our mind, which we are called to do in Romans 12:2. When we decree Biblical truths, we stop asking for something that has already been given to us, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we decree Biblical truths, the authority behind the decree is the same as the authority of a law being enacted, or an order being issued by a Government Court.

Anger

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another; just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 3:31-32

“Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Ephesians 4:26

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

1 Peter 3:8

Opposite Spirit: Gentleness, kindness, peace, blessings, and compassion.

Decree: I treat people with gentleness, kindness, and compassion. I ask God to bless people who do me wrong, that they may walk in the fullness of God’s glory. When difficult situations arise I respond in peace.

Betrayal

“... but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Galatians 6:9

Opposite Spirit: Faithfulness, honesty, and truth-fulness.

Decree: I can always count on God; He is completely trustworthy. I bless those who betray me to be all God created them to be. I leave judgment and vengeance to God

Children or family members not walking with God

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:21

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Opposite Spirit: Blessing my children, encouraging, listening, forgiving, and showing unconditional love.

Decree: I bless my children to be all God created them to be. I bless them to hear His voice, and to see His face. I trust You God as You draw my children to fall in love with You.

Depression

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God, I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!” Psalms 42:11

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“For 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

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah29:11-14

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs3:5-6

Opposite Spirit: Hope, joy, encouragement of myself & others, love, andservice.

Decree: I choose hope; I choose to laugh; I choose to encourage others and serve them. I choose to walk in the Fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Emptiness

“For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalms 107:9

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Psalms 63:1

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalms 143:8

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Opposite Spirit: Fun, laughter, encouragement, and pursuit of God’s purpose in my life.

Decree: My life and my heart are full of God’s love, joy and peace; all emptiness is gone, replaced with God’s goodness. In Christ Jesus I have purpose; I love, laugh and have fun.

Fear

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Opposite Spirit: Faith, trust, peace, calmness, encouragement, Godly self-identity, and authority.

Decree: I have complete faith in my God. I trust Him as He takes me by the hand, in every situation I encounter. I walk as a child of God, with power and authority over fear.

Guilt

“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All of my guilt is gone.” Psalms 32:5

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”

Isaiah 43:25

Opposite Spirit:Trust, truth, honor, freedom, and purity.

Decree: I walk in freedom. I confess my guilt, repent of my sin, and make restitution if necessary; and then I let it go, it no longer has power over me. I walk in the glory of God’s freedom. Thank you Jesus for paying completely for all my sins (past, present, and future); I now walk in total freedom from guilt.

Health Problems

“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” Psalms 41:3

“He (Jesus) Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.”

2 Peter 2:24

“O Lord my god, I cried out to You, and You have healed me.” Psalms 30:2

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them.” James 5:14-15

Opposite Spirit: Trust, faith, vitality, identity, joy, and hope.

Decree: My body is strong, healthy, and free from disease. Nothing can invade my body that is not part of God’s original design.

Injustice

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue, which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, Says the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

“Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised.” Psalms 119:154

Opposite Spirit: Fairness, justice, good deeds, hope, joy, faith, forgive, and blessings.

Decree: I choose to trust God; He loves me. Truth and justice will win out. I will fulfill the purpose that God has for me. Nothing or no one can come against me and prevail; God is on my side. I leave injustice in God’s hands.

Jealously

“Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:26

“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” 1 Peter2:1

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, “ says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah. 29:11

Opposite Spirit: Love, kindness, encouragement, and rejoicing.

Decree: I choose to rejoice in who God created me to be. I love myself and I love others. I trust God to have my best interest in mind; and to guide me in life.

Knocked Down

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Psalms 37:23-24

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.” Psalms 145:15

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Opposite Spirit:Resilience, confidence, persever-ance, identity, and joy.

Decree: I choose to stand with my God. I am strong, resilient, and confident. Every decision I make is based on who God says I am.

Lack

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1

“Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalms 34:9-10

“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”

Proverbs 28:27

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13: 5

Opposite Spirit: Intentional sharing, encouragement, blessing, service, trust, and contentment.

Decree: I am not a victim. God gives me wisdom, and I trust Him with all my needs.

Money Problems

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

“Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

“If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” Job 36:11

Opposite Spirit: Charity, tithing, forgiveness, joy, trust, and integrity

Decree: I receive downloads and solutions from God regarding my finances. I walk in a manner worthy of God’s bounty. I am a child of God, and my Father gives me wisdom to make wise decisions regarding money and finances.

Negativity

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circum-stance.” Philippians 4:11

“I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.”

Psalms 146:2

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.

Opposite Spirit: Praise, blessing, forgiveness, love, rejoicing, gentleness, encouragement, and under-standing.

Decree: I choose to bless others and myself with words that are kind, uplifting and encouraging. I remember that God is always beside me, listening to every word that comes out of my mouth.

Offense

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:27

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 18:19

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

Opposite Spirit: Love, forgiveness, patience, blessings, and understanding.

Decree: I do not hold onto offense, ever; I let it go. I bless the person or situation as I surrender it to God. I share my offense with God first and get His wisdom and counsel.

Pleasing Others

“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” John 12:43

“…And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” Romans 2:29

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalms 143:8

Opposite Spirit: Fear of the Lord, Godly identity, and trust.

Decree: Pleasing God is my number one concern. I trust God to reveal to me those whose needs He wants me to help meet, and those He wants others to help meet.

Quarreling

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Romans 14:1

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1

“A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 13:34

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

1 Peter 3:8

Opposite Spirit: Harmony, peace, love, forgiveness, blessing, identity, and kindness.

Decree: I choose to walk in Godly character, loving others with kind words. I don’t have to always be right; I don’t have to have the last word. I bless others to know God’s truth and to walk in it. My identity is based on God’s view of me, not my ability to win arguments.

Rebellion

“Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me.” Psalms 39:8

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…” 1 Samuel 15:23

“They will never again pollute themselves with their idols and vile images and rebellion, for I will save them from their sinful backsliding. I will cleanse them. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:23

Opposite Spirit: Submission, obedience, harmony, love, peace, Godly character, and identity.

Decree: I place myself under God’s authority. As a child of God, I choose to trust Him to protect my interests as I submit to the human authorities He has placed over me.

Sin

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteous-ness.” 1 John 1:9

“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Repent, than, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Acts 3:19

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:14

Opposite Spirit: Purity, holiness, righteousness, forgive-ness, reverence toward God, and love.

Decree: I choose to live a pure, holy and righteous life in Christ Jesus. When I sin, I confess and repent quickly and do not harbor it in my heart. When the enemy brings up past sins I rebuke him. Once confessed, God remembers my sins no more.

Temptation

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13-14

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians5:16

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 2 John 4:4

Opposite Spirit: Intimacy with God, purpose, identity, reverence of God, purity of thought, and passion for righteousness.

Decree: I plan ahead to purposely avoid and resist temptation. I count on God to show me the way out whenever necessary. I do not allow my mind to entertain tempting thoughts. I keep my thoughts pure at all times.

Unknown

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalms 32:8

“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:5

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Opposite Spirit: Peace, blessing, worship, surrender, trust, and God’s sovereignty.

Decree: I trust God with every area of my life. I sit quietly with Him as He guides me in the direction He wants me to go. Total peace envelopes me as I worship my Lord.

Vanity

“For where you have envy and self-ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16

“I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” Psalm 101:15

“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth – a stranger, not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10

Opposite Spirit: Service to others, encouragement, humility, and modesty.

Decree: I walk in humility. I live for an audience of one, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. It is God only I aim to please.

Worry

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

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

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Opposite Spirit: Trust, calmness, assurance, surrender, and worship.

Decree: I trust God totally with every area of my life. He has the greater plan all figured out. I can count on Him to meet all my spiritual, emotional, physical, and material needs.

eXhaustion:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” Psalms 28:7

Opposite Spirit: Rest, peace, surrender, trust, worship, delegation, priorities, and strength.

Decree: As I bask in the Lord, my strength is renewed. God’s DNA is running through my veins giving me the strength and ability to do what He is calling me to do; I trust God to take care of everything else.

Yearning

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

“ ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

Opposite Spirit: Contentment, joy, generosity, and trust.

Decree: I trust God’s timing in all areas of my life. I choose to be content in whatever circumstances God has placed me, and I joyfully share my resources with others. I rejoice that He has my best interest in mind.

Zits, cold sores, extra pounds & other outwardly undesirables

“….The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

“… Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew22:39

Opposite Spirit: Godly self-esteem, joy, love, under-

standing, affirming, encouraging, accepting, and blessings.

Decree: I do not judge others or myself by what we look like. I look on the inside. I see the beauty in others and myself. I see others and myself through God’s eyes. My value comes from being made in God’s image, not from bodily imperfections.

Other hurts not mentioned:

Scripture:

Opposite spirit:

Decree