psalm 31

Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
(Psa 31:24)

Yesterday we talked about the wonderful HOPE that we have as believer’s. We pointed out that for the Christian, suffering is always temporary, and we have a promise of ABUNDANT LIFE for all of eternity. We have HOPE. Today we see David in the middle of a time of difficulty. Enemies of every sort press in on him, literal ones and spiritual ones. He is tired, weary, and wanting it all to end; yet he continues to look to the Lord. David sets an example for us in that he doesn’t ABANDON HOPE in difficulty, but he CLINGS TO IT.

We are described in verse 24, the closing verse of the Psalm, as those who “hope in the Lord”. As believers this should be an accurate description of all of us. We don’t put our hope in the things of this world, but we put it in the Lord! The exhortation here is simple but profound. If we hope in the Lord, we should be of “good courage”. The Hebrew word translated “be of good courage” literally means to “seize upon” in it’s primitive form. I like that. It isn’t a “keep a stiff upper lip” kind of courage, it is a “hang on to Jesus with all you have” kind of courage. If we cling to the Lord then He will STRENGTHEN our hearts. The idea is that as we cling to Him, He will give to us the boldness, courage, and strength we lack… He will change our hearts and prepare them to face even the fiercest foe.

So, You who hope in the Lord, CLING TO JESUS! Let Him strengthen you so you may be ready to face whatever challenge may come your way!