Be of Good Courage

Read Psalm 31

Psalm 31:24

24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. All you who hope in the Lord.

 

I have often seen God wait until the last minute to show up and reveal His faithfulness. This is not because God is careless and cruel, unmoved by our troubles, but because God knows that we will only call on Him after we have done everything in our own power to fix our situation. It is not until we become exhausted and admit that we need Jesus that we finally relinquish control and reach up to the Lord. When we have no other choice and nowhere else to turn we ask, “Lord, please help. I can’t do this!”

God, in His mercy, never ignores us.

David often found himself under attack by enemies. King Saul tried to kill him many times. Absalom, his son, led a mutiny to overthrow David from the throne of Israel. In both cases David was on the run for his life. Not only was he physically under attack, but also mentally. It is human nature to question our effectiveness when our world seems to crumble around us. At times even those who supported David questioned his decisions, and his enemies did everything they could to bring his reign as King to an end. It would be understandable to lose confidence and crack under the weight of it all.

But his words in Psalm 31 reveal an attitude of hope in the face of constant struggle. Be of good courage is not just a catchy slogan, but a way of life for those who trust in the Lord. If His hand of love and protection is over your life what else do you need?

Even when things appear dark and bleak in your life keep the Lord’s favor in view. He is the one who will keep your heart strong so you can persevere through any difficult time. For all you who hope in the Lord, be of good courage!

Heavenly Father, I don’t know why some days are harder than others. I just know that You are my strength and my song. Keep my heart strong through any trouble that comes my way. You did that for David and I know You will do it for me. Amen

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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