“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

This was David’s concluding exhortation, as expressed in the last verse of Psalm 31.  How could he so confidently say this, while dealing with his own adversities? 

Because of what he reminded himself of previously in the psalm.

You see, David declared:

“You are my rock and my fortress…”

“…You are a faithful God.”

“I trust in the Lord.”

“I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles and you care about the anguish of my soul.”

“You are my God!  My future is in your hands.”

“How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you…”

God, his rock.
God, who is faithful.
God, who is trustworthy.
God, who is unfailing and loving.
God, who is good.
God, who sees.
God, who cares.
God, in whom he trusts.  
God, who holds his future.  

This is what we, too, must do: remind ourselves – and others – in our times of trouble – or theirs – of how great our God, the One in whom we hope, truly is!

You see, recently while at the beach…the wind whipped.  The waves crashed.  The water sprayed.  But the rocks remained.  We can be strong and take heart – hoping in the Lord – because just as the rocks were not moved – Our Rock – is not moved. 

He is on the throne, regardless of what takes place around us or within us.  Take heart!