Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!Psalm 31:24
This Psalm of David became a well known song sung in the Temple. Proof of this is its familiarity revealed through other scripture writers. It is quoted in Psalm 71, and Jonah, Jeremiah and Paul all three reference and quote sections of it. However, most significant is that Jesus quoted verse 5, “Into your hands I commit My spirit;” as His final word from the cross and this is repeated by Stephen as he was being stoned for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, Savior and Messiah.
This hymn is both prayer and praise with grief and woe intermingled with gratitude in the midst of trouble. There is a common saying today, “It’s okay to not be okay.” I believe David knew this and so it was natural for him to humbly lay his heart and mind at the feet of Creator God, the Only Hope. He says, “Be strong, take courage,” but it is because he knows his true strength is in the power of a Sovereign, loving God who already knows victory in every battle he must engage in. And so it is with us too. Take heart! Wait, the Lord is working miracles.
Love,
Gretchen