Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:23-24 (NIV)
Is your hope truly in the Lord? If you are like me, sometimes it’s hard to be strong and have hope – especially in this day and age.
There are so many negative things around us in the world today.
In our country especially, there are so many middle class families who have become the working poor, unable to make ends meet every month. Record debt not only in our government but household debt as well, and young people unable to get jobs who have crushing student loans to pay. Add to that political and racial division and tension on every side – it’s not easy to be strong and have hope – and very easy to be fearful.
As believers in Christ we are called to be strong and courageous, filled with hope, not fear.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
One way I have found to stay strong is to wait more patiently on the Lord. Turning off the television, turning off the news, shutting off the social media was a good start for me and one I highly recommend. Spending more “quiet” time with the Lord in prayer and in his Word is building up my spirit and drawing me closer to God. To be more still, more often, I KNOW that he is God. He is always there and always guiding and directly me. I have more peace and more hope. I hear his voice in my heart more clearly and he strengthens me.
… Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
As you probably would agree, hoping and waiting is not the American way any longer. We are a drive-thru, have it right now at the click of the mouse people. We as believers in Jesus need to be peaceful, patient and powerful people of gentle and quiet spirit if we are to shine brightly in this dark world.
How will people want what we have if we are fearful and hopeless like the rest of the world?
Let us love the Lord and be his faithful people – be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord. Let our fellowships and communities be united in love for one another, patiently waiting on the Lord, resting in his peace, trusting in his ways – in this way we will give hope and healing to this lost and dying world – which desperately needs Jesus!
Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7