Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – (Psalm 31:24, NIV)
Be strong and brave, all of you who are waiting for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 31:24, ERV)
Be strong and live courageously, all of you who set your hope in the Eternal! – (Psalm 31:24, VOICE)
Whenever I am in a space of struggle, difficulty or challenge, there is something about the Psalms that offers comfort. David, the author of many of them, penned perfectly, both the struggle in difficulties and the encouragement to overcome. It leads me to wonder if Paul, who wrote many of the letters that became the New Testament from a prison cell, found comfort too, in the songs and sonnets and scores of words recorded in the Psalms. For many of us, the staying in place feels a bit torturous, as it is in no way natural nor normal. However, when I consider the time spent by Paul under house arrest and in Roman prison, I need to count my blessings and take heart. In strength and courage, Paul encouraged entire congregations of new believers, despite his circumstances. We are no different. Whatever we are tasked to do in this season, may we be strong and take heart, and place our hope in He who is our help. God is good, and He is faithful to answer when we call on Him to be our help and our hope.
Be strong in the Lord, 
Take courage, be brave;
The Lord will be near,
When asked to come stay.
As we place our hope,
In the Lord above;
He grants what we need,
To go forth in love.
Fear not in trials,
For God’s ever near;
He’s present to help,
Each request, He hears.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can find strength and courage in You as we seek You to be our help and our hope. Thank You that You are ever-present. Forgive us for our fears and frustrations with our circumstances. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may learn and grow through every trial. Show us how to love those around us best, so that we may encourage and strengthen one another in spaces where resolve is running low. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we find strength and courage as we look to You to be our help and hope forever. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Revelations In Writing 