Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24
I have been going through Psalm 31 - one verse at a time, one day at a time - and today I came to the end. I always have a bit of a sad feeling when I finish a psalm, kind of the way you feel when you come to the end of a really good book. You know? You want it to keep going?

I delighted in the first eight verses - in which I was continually reminded that God is my Safe Place.
I endured the next five verses of anguish and despair, yet found God speaking to me even through the pain.
I was turned back to trusting God in the next five verses.
And I was reminded of the peace we find in the LORD through the next five verses.
Then came this wonderful summary at the end: Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. It is as if David was telling us there will be trouble in our lives, but when we remember who God is (our Safe Place) and when we remember that we can trust Him, we can have confidence to know that all will be well.
The past few days have had "troubles of their own" around here as I have been facing challenges with my children. In the midst of those moments I have been so thankful for God's presence, and the peace He is able to infuse into my weary heart.
Today I can say, "I will be strong and take heart - because I hope in the LORD."
Are you with me?

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14 comments:

Teresa said...

With you sister!

And taking this one to heart in the hours that follow; as I prepare to teach on David and Goliath tomorrow!

Blessings!
Teresa

luvmy4sons said...

This same verse is found at the end of Psalm 27. It is one of my favorites and one I am clinging to at the moment!

Jessica Nelson said...

I am. I was facing challenges yesterday and day before with the kiddos, just them being tired, fighting, etc. Whew. It was exhausting. I felt better when I sang that song the Joy of the Lord is my strength.
His word is powerful, that's for sure.

Melissa said...

Thank you - this confirms what I've been dealing with!

Jerralea said...

Thanks for sharing! "Be strong and take heart" are words I can use everyday in this crazy life!

Anonymous said...

Im praying with you...

God bless-Amanda

Larie Carlice Proverbs 27:19 said...

Oh I sooooo, want to be with you! I tend to forget what God is capable of and fall apart. But I am going to stick it thru this time and each time after!

smooches,
Larie

On Purpose said...

Karen I am praying for you and your role as a mom, I am praying for your children and your family as a team! I am also praying for your upcoming conference. Knowing God will use you to bless many hearts and lead them to Him!

My hope is in Him and He is supplying the strength!!

Kelly said...

Some days hope is all we have! I just did a study on hope (for an article I'm writing). The archiac definition of hope is "trust, rely on." So when we say our hope is in Christ, what we really mean is our trust and reliance are in Christ...our faith! Amen!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post. I love what Shane has started with the weekly questions. At times I feel inadaquate to be participating but feel that the Lord is pouring so much into me through all of you women.

Thank you so much for always explaining and making it easy.

Your picture is beautiful. I hate to see sick babies but you all look so loved!!

Lori said...

I enjoyed your post. I wrote a post on my blog yesterday that kind of goes along with yours - the overwhelming feeling we as moms sometimes feel. It's at www.weewaughs.blogspot.com and entitled "Establish Your Priorities".

Jenileigh said...

Beautiful! Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. I'll remember this verse as I'm praying for little Aiden. Be strong Jenileigh, take heart!

Ronel said...

Wonderful post! I too am trusting in Him in these tough times because really who else can we trust to keep us sane.

Thank you for sharing!!

My ADHD Me said...

I've never made a point to sit and read Psalm 31, but after reading this post, I just went and got my Bible and read it. What an awesome feeling it gave me. Now I NEED to share it with a friend of mine who NEEDS to read it.
So today, you have DEFINITELY spread God's Word.

AND You have Definitely won Pay It Forward!! (BTW, thank you... I was thinking I wasn't going to get to my goal.) I hit my goal of 6 with 28 minutes to spare!!

Send me your address and your "craft" will be on the way...

flytomillon@yahoo.com

After you receive it, you will know why I better stick to humor!