“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.” - Psalm 31:24
“All you who wait for the Lord” - I tell my kids all the time, “Everyone is waiting for something.” Of course when I say that they follow with more groans. Trips up North to see their grandparents take two hours. That’s a long time for little kids, especially when your parents are the no technology type. They always manage to get through it, and when they finally arrive at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, they are filled with excitement, and the embrace between the kids and the grandparents is always a joy to watch. For our kids, patience is rewarded with a weekend stay at their Grandparent’s house. The same holds true for our Faith. In Jesus Christ, our patience is always rewarded. He knows us and our struggles! He hears the prayers of His people! He’s well worth the wait.
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage” - This is the “how” part of waiting. Taking courage and being strong are difficult to do. I have a tough time getting my four year old to break his shyness on the T Ball field. My five year old does great! He’s attentive and does everything the coach asks him to do. What a difference a year makes! I talk about being brave, having courage, being strong, and taking a chance to try new things with my four year old, but he resists. It’s tough when “everyone is watching me play.” He says the “backyard is more fun for me.” I understand where he’s coming from! Having eyes on you is tough sometimes. This applies to us grown folk. As adults we need to keep in mind that the Lord is keeping an eye on things, He’s watching us, and He knows our struggles and our weaknesses. Knowing this truth helps us take courage. Knowing this truth also helps us be strong. We have confidence in trials of every kind because we know He’s with us.
Call on His name for He knows you! In the depths of your struggles be strong and let your heart take courage. Your suffering is not being wasted! Jesus Christ died so that you could have life. Take heart, Christian.