Be Strong…in the LORD - Your Daily Forward Devotional

Be Strong…in the LORD

October 22

Read Psalm 27:13-14

I would have despaired unless I believed that I would see 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!

Reflect

Are you feeling discouraged, desperate, anxious, or afraid? What hope do you have despite your feelings?

When we go through hard times, we all put our hope in something. Some people hope in their money, doctors, insurance policies, family, or friends. But all of those things are temporary and all of those things can let us down.

It is believed that David wrote Psalm 27 when he was being hunted by King Saul. He was in a dangerous situation. Evildoers were seeking his life and yet the very first words he wrote were, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?’ The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psalm 27:1)

David put His hope in the LORD. He knew that the LORD was the only One in whom salvation is found. He didn’t put His hope in weapons or other men to protect Him. He knew that His defense would come from God.

Without this hope, he would have despaired. But with this hope? He was praising God for His protection in advance! He was courageous in the midst of fear. He was completely confident that He would see God’s goodness, not just in heaven some day, but “in the land of the living”.

But here is perhaps the hardest part, He had to wait for the LORD. He had to trust even when it felt like the LORD was tarrying. He had to be strong and take heart when doubt started to creep in. He had to wait patiently. He had to keep the faith.

Friends, if you are going through a time of waiting on the LORD, let this Psalm of David encourage you. “Be strong and let your heart take courage!” You too will see the goodness of the LORD.

Pray

Lord, I am confident that even in hardships, You are with me and I will see Your goodness. You are my light and my salvation. Take away my fear and give me Your peace while I wait. Amen.