Hope in the Lord

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

--Psalm 31:24  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on February 9, 2013 of Psalm 31:14-24; Matthew 26:57-75; Exodus 26-28:5.

David had to face many enemies that wanted to kill him, even from within his own family, from among his sons.  But he trusted in God to keep delivering him from those who meant him harm.  He could stay strong and be brave because of that trust.  He tells us that if we put our trust and our hope in the Lord, He will not fail us but will strengthen our hearts, and will give us the internal fortitude to press on against all odds.  In this life, we find ourselves faced with many difficulties.  Paul tells us that our true enemies are not of flesh and blood, but we battle against the rulers of darkness, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).  Since our true enemy is supernatural, we need a supernatural superhero on our side.  God is our superhero, Jesus is our ally.  He gives us the strength to go on.  He encourages us to bear up under any burden.  He is our one true hope in any situation.  With Him at our side, we are never alone.  He has never failed us.  Praise God!  Amen.

God of all, thank You for always standing by our side.  Thank you for being our one best hope.  Thank you for strengthening us and encouraging us and for giving us the will to continue even in the face of daunting foes.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.