Courage From the Heart

Psalm 31:24 “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.” English Standard Version

Recently when I was spending time with the Lord in prayer, this verse came to mind. I was impressed by the words “let your heart take courage”. It was like the Lord was saying “YOU let your heart take courage”. It’s up to me what I allow into my heart.

The scripture goes on to say, “all you who wait for the Lord.” Sometimes we can be tempted to try to resolve issues ourselves, instead of waiting for the Lord. His timing is not the same as ours, but His timing is perfect. His ways are perfect. Our Lord and Friend sees the whole picture and we can trust Him. He is always Good and Wise and full of Love and Kindness. He daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 27:13-14 “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Here it is again – ‘let your heart take courage.’

So how do we let our hearts take courage?

In Psalm 27; the Psalmist speaking by faith; resists the temptation to overestimate the challenges before him and declares that ‘he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”. He is letting his heart take courage by choosing to believe God’s promises. Psalm 23 tells us ‘Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”.

Courage is always fueled by our faith in the faithfulness of our Almighty God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him (Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

Let your heart take courage.

Kath