Psalm__31

Scripture

Psalm 31:24

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”

Observation-What does it say?

David was under constant distress. His enemies from all over were plotting his death. False rumors were being spread about him everywhere. Even his friends are giving him the cold shoulder and ignoring him. They fear to be around him, almost like they didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire, while his enemies were plotting to take his life. But David had one constant in his life-his faith and trust in God.

Understanding-What does it mean?

God never fails. 

In the final sentence of this Psalm, David encourages all who put their faith and trust in God, to “be strong and courageous”. You see, although David is considered to be a man after God’s own heart, that didn’t exclude him from life’s troubles. On the contrary, he seemed to always have opposition in his life. David had enemies who wanted him dead, he had neighbors who despised him, he had false rumors spread about him, and he had friends who left him. It was his trust in God that gave him the strength and courage to get through no matter what was sent his way.

There are multiple times in the Bible where the phrase “be strong and courageous” appears. I believe it serves as a great reminder for us that there is no problem out there too big or small that God cannot handle. When it seems like the odds are stacked against us, there is One who is always with us. God is at His strongest when we are at our weakest. The question is are we willing to fully commit our faith and trust in Him? David did, and God fought his battles for him...and we all know that God is undefeatable!

So when life’s storms hit you, (and they will), when you’re feeling beaten and overwhelmed, remember to take heed to God’s word, “be strong and courageous”! Remember who is truly fighting those battles for you. Fully commit and trust in God the way David did, then see what miracles God can do in your life.

Life Application

What does being strong and courageous look like today?

We may be facing financial struggles, health issues, relationship problems, or even facing a crossroad in our faith. I want to encourage you to take heed on those words and biblical principles of being strong and courageous. Like I said earlier, the Bible mentions this phrase multiple times, and I don’t think it’s by accident either! I believe it’s of great importance to listen to those words. Why else would the Bible mention it so many times?!

In 2 Timothy 1:7 it mentions that God didn’t give us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. God gave us His Holy Spirit to live in us. A Spirit filled with power! What should we fear then if He is with us, and He is on our side?

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”-Philippians 4:13 

So why not be strong and courageous in whatever circumstances we face? The God of the universe has our back, and He is STILL undefeated and is STILL our reigning Champion!  

-Moses Gaddi