Empowerment Exercises

Use the following exercises by reciting the exercise and corresponding verses daily. Memorize and meditate on them.

Answer the questions related to the verses and ask God for His wisdom and insight.

You may want to purchase a blank journal to record your answers, thoughts, and feelings. Journaling daily is very healing and a great encouragement in the future as you look back on all that God has done to grow and change you.

Exercise 1) I will build my confidence by choosing to trust in God.

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

Psalm 56:3-4 "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose words I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "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."

Psalm 91:2 "I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

Questions:

How can I put my trust in God when I am afraid?

What would my life be like if I trusted in God with all my heart and not my own understanding?

In what areas of my life do I need God to be my refuge and fortress?

How will having the confidence that comes from God change my life?

Exercise 2) I will put my focus on God and rely on Him to meet my needs.

Psalm 40:1-2 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

Colossians 3:2-3 "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

Matthew 6:26-27 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Questions:

What can I do to put my focus on God and be patient?

How can I set my mind on things above?

What needs am I worrying about that I could rely on God to meet?

In what ways am I trying to meet my own needs or expecting someone else besides God to meet them?

How would my life be different if I knew the depth of God's love for me?

Exercise 3) I will stop trying to control people and things, I will entrust them to God's care.

1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."

Questions:

What can I do to stop attempting to control my husband?

What steps can I take when I am tempted to fix a situation?

What can God do in the lives of the people I love?

What are the desires of my heart?

How can I learn more of God's ways?

Exercise 4) I will choose to release my fears and anger to God.

Proverbs 20:22 "Do not say ‘I will pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord and He will deliver you."

Proverbs 21:19 "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife."

James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Ephesians 4:31-32 "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you."

What action steps can I take when I feel like taking my anger out on those I love?

In what areas of my life am I harboring bitterness, resentment or anger towards my husband or others?

In what ways has God forgiven me?

Action Suggestions:

a)       Take a walk

b)       Call someone you can trust

c)       Pray

d)       Read your bible

e)       Journal

f)         Listen to praise music