Be strong and very courageous.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all those who wait on the Lord" Psalm 31:24


When I look at these words, so many things come to mind. Especially the things in which I feel lost, or helpless. Weak and scared.


I can't help but wonder if others look at this verse and think "But they don't know my story, they don't know the battles I have already fought".


I mean? I think that sometimes, too.....


And my guess? is that so did David. David's anguish and sorrow was raw and real. He questioned sometimes whether God had left him (He hadn't) and his discouragement and weakness were evident. The fact is that if it were easy to be strong and courageous in the midst of discouraging circumstances? If it was second-nature? 


It wouldn't need to be said.


But it does. It needs to be said.


Because if you quit the race, you never reach the finish line. And God will be victorious.


David never hesitated to bring his heartaches before God. And neither should we. God not only already knows our deepest thoughts, but he is Father. Full of kindness and love. He's not angry with us when we are discouraged or weakened in our situations. His heart is grieved for us and it's in that time of weakness, that He is able to bring us greater strength.


If you read all of Psalm 31, you see that it isn't all roses and rainbows. David is crying out in the midst of his grief and he believed that God saw [and understood] the anguish of his soul and had already responded with grace.


This line, 'Be strong and let your heart take courage, all who wait on the Lord', needed to be said because in anguish, it can be hard to see the forest through the trees. God loves us. He responds to our grief and discouragement with grace and love. He won't leave you in a place of confusion, weariness, and hopelessness. But, rather, will help us emerge stronger. and more courageous. So that we are able to remind those behind us?


That the forest is much bigger than the trees they see in front of them.


That their current situation isn't the end of their life's story


That God responds to the anguish of our soul with grace and love.


That our hope in waiting will not be in vain.

So, friends, today? May you be strong. May your heart take courage. May you remember that your wait? Will never be in vain! 

(Source)