Our scripture this morning is Psalms 31:23-24.
Love the Lord, all you godly ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes the arrogant. So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
We continue our study of the command to “be strong and courageous”, this time in a psalm of King David. He faced many personal challenges and as God’s chosen ruler for Israel he had to deal with much more. While he was not perfect, he was repentant of his sin and continued to follow the Lord in faith.
Later Paul would write to his friend and helper Timothy “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Here is encouragement for the faithful and strength to carry on the work Jesus has given us. He told us it wouldn’t be easy and there would be worldly opposition, but He promised to always be with us as we go.
Things won’t always go our way, but we need to be aware that God is always in control no matter what a mess we make in the world He has given us. He sends us to share His love with everyone regardless of the situation. May we be strong and courageous in his service.
Gracious God, You have called us to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to go in faith to spread the Good News everywhere. Amen.
