April 20, 2009 God of Hope
Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7
Scripture Focus:
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Observation:
We would not need this verse if we never felt afraid, if we never felt weak and helpless. But the truth is, all of us feel this way at one time or another, so we need to hear these words of encouragement directed to those who put their hope in the Lord. Sometimes that’s all we have—hope that God will make things right again, but hope is enough. If we can hope in God, we can be of good courage, knowing he will strengthen our heart.
Application:
When my courage fails, when I feel emotionally weak, I can turn my thoughts to the God of hope. If David could pen the words of Psalm 31:24 when he was in such great anguish of soul and physical peril, then it gives me hope that I can say them when I encounter difficulties.
Prayer:
Abba Father, no matter what happens today, help me to put my hope in you that you may strengthen my heart.
