Category: Generosity

Why Should We Wait on the Lord?

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Waiting:

Waiting on God’s timing can be hard. The Bible gives us guidance on waiting in Psalm 27:14.

Bible Verse:

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14 KJV

Who wrote Psalm 27:14 and when was it written?

Psalm 27:14 was written by King David. It is part of the Book of Psalms, which is traditionally attributed to him. 

The exact date of its writing is uncertain, but it is believed to have been composed during David’s reign as King of Israel, around the 10th century BC.

What is the context of Psalm 27:14?

King David expresses his trust and confidence in God despite facing adversaries and challenges. 

Throughout the psalm, David speaks of seeking refuge in God, finding strength in His presence, and waiting patiently for His deliverance.

Verse 14 encourages patience and courage in waiting for God’s timing and intervention. 

It emphasizes the idea of trusting in God’s plan and relying on His strength to sustain us through difficult times.

What does Psalm 27:14 mean?

Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His timing. It emphasizes the importance of having courage and faith while enduring trials or waiting for answers to prayers. 

The promise is that God will strengthen the hearts of those who put their trust in Him and wait for His guidance and provision.

What does “wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:” from Psalm 27:14 mean?

Psalm 27:14 is an encouragement to trust in God and have patience in His timing. It advises believers to wait patiently for the Lord’s guidance, help, and deliverance in difficult times. 

The phrase “wait on the Lord” implies a sense of dependence on God and His plans, rather than relying solely on human efforts or understanding.

The verse also encourages believers to be courageous and not lose heart while waiting for God’s intervention. It assures that God will provide strength and support to those who trust in Him.

Psalm 27:14 is about maintaining faith, courage, and patience in God, even when facing challenges or uncertainties in life.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 27:14 (KJV and ESV)? 

Psalm 27:14 KJV biblical translation says:

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14 ESV biblical translation says:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

How does Psalm 27:14 give encouragement?

Psalm 27:14 provides encouragement in several ways:

  1. Encouragement to Wait on the Lord: It reminds believers to be patient and trust in God’s timing. Waiting on the Lord implies putting faith in His plan and recognizing that He knows what is best for us.
  2. Encouragement to Be Courageous: Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to have courage despite their circumstances. It acknowledges that waiting on the Lord may require endurance and steadfastness, but assures that God will provide the strength needed to persevere.
  3. Promise of Strength: Psalm 27:14 promises that as we wait on the Lord and remain courageous, He will strengthen our hearts. This strength comes from the Lord’s presence and enables believers to face challenges with confidence.

Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to trust in God’s timing, to be courageous in the face of adversity, and to rely on His strength to sustain them through difficult times.

How can I apply Psalm 27:14 to my life?

Here are some ways you can apply Psalm 27:14 to your life:

  1. Trust in God’s Timing: Psalm 27:14 encourages patience and trust in God’s timing. Sometimes, things don’t happen as quickly as we would like them to, but waiting on the Lord means trusting that He knows what is best for us and will act in His perfect timing.
  2. Be Courageous: Psalm 27:14 calls us to be of good courage while we wait. Waiting can be difficult and uncertain, but having courage means facing challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
  3. Seek Strength from God: When we wait on the Lord, He promises to strengthen our hearts. This means that as we wait patiently for His guidance and provision, He will give us the inner strength and resilience we need to endure and overcome any trials or obstacles we may face.
  4. Persist in Waiting: The repetition of “wait, I say, on the Lord” emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in waiting on God. It’s a reminder to continually trust in Him, even when the waiting seems long or difficult.
  5. Pray for Guidance: While waiting, continue to pray and seek God’s guidance. Use this time of waiting to deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on His word, and seeking His will for your life.

Applying Psalm 27:14 to your life involves trusting in God’s timing, being courageous, seeking strength from Him, persisting in waiting, and continually seeking His guidance through prayer and meditation on His word.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 27:14:

A prayer based on tPsalm 27:14 might go something like this:

Dear Lord,

As I face challenges and uncertainties in life, help me to wait patiently on You. Grant me the courage to trust in Your timing and Your plans. 

Strengthen my heart, Lord, so that I may remain steadfast in faith, even when the journey is difficult. 

May I find peace and confidence in knowing that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me. 

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

What are five takeaways from Psalm 27:14?

Here are five takeaways from Psalm 27:14:

  1. Patience and Trust: Psalm 27:14 emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, indicating the need for patience and trust in His timing and plan.
  2. Courage: It encourages believers to be of good courage, suggesting that maintaining courage is essential while waiting on God.
  3. Divine Strength: The promise of divine strength is given to those who wait on the Lord, indicating that God provides the necessary strength to endure difficulties and challenges.
  4. Repeated Emphasis: The repetition of the phrase “wait, I say, on the Lord” underscores its significance, highlighting the importance of relying on God and not acting impulsively or out of fear.
  5. Encouragement to Persevere: Psalm 27:14 serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith and to continue trusting in God’s guidance and provision, even in times of uncertainty or waiting.

 

This blog is adapted from his  book, “Wait Upon the Lord: Waiting For God’s Movement and Activity in Your Life” in Book Four from “The Bible Speaks to Life Issues” which  will be released in the Spring of 2024. You can learn more of the book series and purchase it at MORE INFO ABOUT SERIES.

What Does the Bible Say About People Who Please God?

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How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

 

What Does The Bible Say About to Whom You Should Give Thanks?

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What Does The Bible Say About Whom You Should Give Thanks? It says, O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 107:1

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

 

God Watches Over You

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Hospital surgery

Bible Verse:

“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV)

My Story

This verse speaks of the assurance and protection that God provides to those who trust in Him. 

This truth was evident in the life of my mother, who had to wait for a kidney transplant.

My mother had been living with a kidney disease for several years, and her condition was worsening by the day. She needed a kidney transplant to survive, but the wait list for a donor was long, and the process was tiring.

As her son, I was worried and scared for her, and I did not know what the future held. However, my mother’s faith in God remained steadfast. She believed that He would provide for her.

During this waiting period, my mother experienced the reality of Psalm 121:7-8. The Lord kept her from harm, even in her fragile state. God watched over her life. Some how she kept on trusting the Lord would provide. She knew that God was in control, and she found peace in that.

Despite the uncertainty of when a donor would become available, my mother continued to trust God’s timing. She believed that He was watching over her coming and going. This included the timing of her transplant. 

She knew that God had a plan for her life. That gave her hope. She also prayed for the future donor and the donor’s family realizing that most likely for her to live someone would die gifting her a chance at additional life.

Finally, the day came when my mother received the call that a kidney was available for her transplant. It was a joyous moment for our family. 

We knew that it was a result of God’s provision. The surgery was successful. 

My mother’s health improved significantly. She was grateful to God for keeping her safe during the waiting period and for providing her with a new kidney.

My mother’s experience taught me the importance of trusting in God in every aspect of life. When we face challenges and uncertainties, we can take comfort in knowing that God is watching over us. 

He knows our needs, and He will provide for us in His timing. As Psalm 121:7-8 says, He will keep us from harm and watch over our lives, both now and forevermore.

My mother’s journey towards receiving a kidney transplant was a powerful reminder of God’s love and provision. She trusted in Him throughout the waiting period. He kept her safe and provided for her needs.

As we face our own challenges in life, let us remember the truth of Psalm 121:7-8 and trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Who wrote Psalm 121:7-8 and when was it written?

Psalm 121:7-8 is a part of Psalm 121. The author of Psalm 121 is unknown, and the date of its composition is also uncertain, though it is generally believed to have been written during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history (after the Babylonian exile).

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121:7-8

These verses express confidence in God’s protection and care for His people. They are a reminder that the Lord is a constant and faithful guardian, who is always present to guide and protect us.

What is the context of Psalm 121:7-8?

Psalm 121:7-8 is part of a larger psalm known as the “Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120-134) which was likely sung by Jewish pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. 

The Psalm is a song of trust and confidence in God’s protection and care.

Here are the verses in context:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you
will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade
at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your
coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

In verses 7-8, the psalmist declares that the Lord will protect the pilgrims from all harm, both now and forevermore.

This includes protection from physical harm (“the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night”) as well as spiritual harm. The psalmist is expressing confidence that God is always watching over his people and will keep them safe.

What is the meaning of Psalm 121:7-8?

This passage is often interpreted as a message of comfort and assurance for believers. It emphasizes that God is a faithful protector who watches over his people and keeps them safe from harm. 

The psalmist declares that God’s protection extends to all areas of life, including our “coming and going” or all of our daily activities. This verse offers a message of hope and encouragement for those who may be facing difficult circumstances or uncertainties in life. 

It reminds us that we can trust in God’s constant care and protection, not just in this life but for all eternity.

What does “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul” mean?

Psalm 121:7 is a verse from a collection of Psalms known as the Songs of Ascent, which were sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for worship. The verse reads, “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

In this verse, the Psalmist is expressing his trust in God’s protection and care. He is confident that God will protect him from all kinds of evil, both physical and spiritual, and that his soul will be preserved by God.

The phrase “preserve thy soul” suggests that the Psalmist is not only concerned with his physical safety but also with his spiritual well-being. He is confident that God will guard and protect his innermost being, his soul, from harm.

The verse is a declaration of faith in God’s power to protect and preserve us from all harm, both in this life and in the afterlife.

What does “The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore”  mean?

Psalm 121 is a psalm of assurance and trust in God’s protection. The specific verses you mentioned, 7 and 8, say:

“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”

In these verses, the psalmist is expressing confidence that God will protect and preserve them in all aspects of their life. “Going out and coming in” refer to all the activities of life, such as leaving and returning home, going to work, traveling, and so on. The psalmist is saying that God will watch over them and keep them safe in all these activities.

The phrase “from this time forth, and even for evermore” emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s protection. The psalmist believes that God’s care and guidance will never end, and will be with them always.

Overall, these verses express a deep trust in God’s ability to keep us safe and protect us from harm, both in our everyday lives and for all time.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 121:7-8 (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 121:7-8 KJV biblical translation says:

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 KJV 

  • Psalm 121:7-8 NIV biblical translation says:

The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

  • Psalm 121:7-8 ESV biblical translation says:

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

Psalm 121:7-8 ESV

How does Psalm 121:7-8 give encouragement?

Psalm 121:7-8 reads, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” This passage can give encouragement in several ways:

  1. Assurance of God’s protection: The verse states that God will keep us from all harm, which means that we can have confidence that He is looking out for us and protecting us from anything that could cause us harm. This can be a source of comfort and encouragement, especially during times of trouble or uncertainty.
  2. Constant vigilance: The verse says that God will watch over our lives and our coming and going, both now and forevermore. This means that God is always with us, and we are never alone. We can take comfort in the fact that God is always watching over us and guiding us, no matter where we go or what we do.
  3. Hope for the future: The verse implies that God’s protection is not just for the present, but also for the future. Knowing that God will continue to watch over us and protect us in the future can give us hope and encouragement, even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 121:7-8 gives us the assurance that God is watching over us and protecting us, both now and forevermore. This can provide great encouragement and comfort, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.

How can I apply Psalm 121:7-8 to my life?

As a general principle, this verse reminds us that God is our protector and that we can trust Him to watch over us and keep us safe from harm. This can provide comfort and assurance in difficult or uncertain times.

Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:

  1. Trust in God’s protection: When you face challenges or difficulties, remind yourself that God is with you and will keep you from harm. Trust in His promises and know that He is always watching over you.
  2. Seek God’s guidance: If you’re unsure about a decision or direction in your life, seek God’s guidance and ask Him to watch over your coming and going. Trust that He will lead you in the right direction and keep you safe.
  3. Find peace in uncertain times: In times of uncertainty or fear, remember that God is in control and will watch over you. Allow His peace to fill your heart and mind, and trust that He will guide you through whatever challenges you may face.
  4. Thank God for His protection: Take time to thank God for His protection in your life. Recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness. This can help build your trust in Him and increase your confidence in His protection.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:

Here is an example prayer using Psalm 121:7-8:

Dear God,

As I come before you today, I am reminded of your promise in Psalm 121:7-8 that you will keep me from all harm and watch over my life. I am so grateful for your faithfulness and love.

Lord, I ask that you continue to protect me from any danger or harm that may come my way. Help me to trust in you fully and know that you are always with me, even in the darkest moments of my life.

I pray that you will guide my steps and direct my path. Show me the way I should go, and give me the strength and courage to follow you wherever you lead.

Thank you for your constant care and protection, and for your unfailing love that never fades. I give you all the praise and honor, now and forever.

In Jesus’ name I pray, 

Amen.

Conclusion:

Psalm 121:7-8 teaches us to trust in God’s protection, seek God’s guidance, to find peace in uncertain times, to thank God for His protection, to take time to thank God for His protection in our life, and to recognize the times He has kept you safe and remember His faithfulness. 

 

Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor.

The Love of the Lord

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Baby Boomer Poets, Bible, Bible Memes, Bible Study, Bible Verse, Blessed, Blessing, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Cancer, Caregiver, Caregiving, Christ Jesus, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businessperson, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Living, Christian Love, Christian Poets, Christian Writers, Desires, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Friends, Friendship, Generosity, God, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, Grace, Happy, Hope, How to Accept Jesus, How to be Saved, How to Become a Christian, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Joy, King of Kings, King of the Jews, Life, Light, Lord of Lords, Love, Male Poets, Meet the Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Motivation, My Testimony, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Praise, Prayer, Prayers, Prosper, Refuge, Rest, Righteous, Salvation, Southern Poets, Strength, Texas, Texas Poets, The Lord, The Way, The Word, Trust, Truth, US Poets, Verse, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

Seek the Lord

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Baby Boomer Poets, Bible, Bible Memes, Bible Study, Bible Verse, Blessed, Blessing, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Cancer, Caregiver, Caregiving, Christ Jesus, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businessperson, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Living, Christian Love, Christian Poets, Christian Writers, Desires, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Friends, Friendship, Generosity, Giving, God, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, Grace, Happy, Hope, How to Accept Jesus, How to be Saved, How to Become a Christian, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Joy, King of Kings, King of the Jews, Life, Light, Lord of Lords, Love, Male Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Motivation, My Testimony, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Prayer, Prayers, Refuge, Rest, Righteous, Salvation, Southern Poets, Strength, Texas, Texas Poets, The Lord, The Way, The Word, Thursday Thoughts, Trust, Truth, Verse, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

The Worker Deserves His Wages

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Baby Boomer Poets, Bible, Bible Memes, Bible Study, Bible Verse, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Christ Jesus, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businessperson, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Living, Christian Love, Christian Poets, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Generosity, Giving, God, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, Grace, Happy, History, Hope, How to Accept Jesus, How to be Saved, How to Become a Christian, Inspirational, Inspire, Integrity, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Joy, King of Kings, King of the Jews, Life, Light, Lord of Lords, Love, Male Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Motivation, My Testimony, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Praise, Prayer, Prayers, Prosper, Refuge, Rest, Righteous, Salvation, Southern Poets, Strength, Texas, Texas Poets, The Lord, The Way, The Word, Trust, Truth, US Poets, Verse, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

Why We Should Not Fear

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Baby Boomer Poets, Bible, Bible Memes, Bible Study, Bible Verse, Blessed, Blessing, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Cancer, Caregiver, Caregiving, Christ Jesus, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businessperson, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Living, Christian Love, Christian Poets, Christian Writers, Desires, Encouragement, Faith, Faithful, Friends, Friendship, Generosity, Giving, God, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, Grace, Happy, History, Hope, How to Accept Jesus, How to be Saved, How to Become a Christian, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Joy, King of Kings, King of the Jews, Life, Light, Lord of Lords, Love, Male Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Motivation, My Testimony, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Praise, Prayer, Prayers, Prosper, Refuge, Rest, Righteous, Salvation, Southern Poets, Strength, Texas, Texas Poets, The Lord, The Way, The Word, Trust, Truth, US Poets, Verse, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.
 
Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.
 
Books: Click on BOOKS to see some of the books I’ve written or where I’ve been a contributor. 

God Is With You

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How to Become a Christian

Here’s how can know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be sure heaven is your eternal home. Click the link to read my personal story of accepting Jesus –My Story.

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How We Put Our Hope In the Lord

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My late wife Benita and I at her high school senior prom in 1974. She graduated high school that spring. We married December 1974. She was 18-years old and I was 21-years old. I was a December university graduate.

Bible Verse:

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

Psalm 31:24 (KJV)

My Story:

Countless people throughout history have drawn strength and encouragement from the words of Psalm 31:24, including my late wife after a diagnosis of terminal melanoma cancer.

When we first received the news, it was devastating. The doctors told us she had advanced stage three melanoma cancer. After the initial surgery, we were told if it recurred, there was little they could do to cure my wife’s cancer. My wife’s name was Benita. I called her “Miss Benita.” 

The melanoma recurred within months. The oncologist told us to focus on making Miss Benita comfortable. Extending her life with as much quality as we could should be our focus. We were both overwhelmed with fear and sadness, unsure of what the future held.

But during our pain, we turned to God for comfort and guidance. We began reading the Bible and praying for strength and peace. 

We found comfort in the words of Psalm 31:24, which reminded us to be strong and take heart, even in the face of such difficult circumstances.

As we navigated this new reality, we discovered the power of community through our coworkers and our Prestonwood Baptist Church Bible fellowship class. Our friends and family rallied around us, providing love, support, and practical help. They prayed with us, brought us meals, and sat with us in silence when words failed. Their presence gave us strength and hope, and we knew we were not alone on this journey.

Despite the challenges we faced, Miss Benita’s faith remained strong. She continued to trust in God, even when things seemed impossible. Her unwavering faith inspired me and many others who knew her.

As her illness progressed, Miss Benita’s physical strength faded. But her spirit remained strong, and she continued to be a beacon of hope and encouragement to all those around her. She would email and send cards to people on our church’s prayer list. She did this even into the first two weeks of the month she was in hospice care. 

Miss Benita’s melanoma spread to her brain. Surgery removed a melanoma tumor.

It recurred within ninety days, causing her to lose the ability to read and write. 

She never lost sight of the fact that her ultimate hope was in the Lord, and she knew that even in death, she would be with Him.

In her last days, her faith shone even brighter. 

She was at peace, knowing that she would soon be with her Lord and Savior. 

She lived her life showing her faith. Countless people were positively affected. Her legacy would continue long after she was gone.

As I reflect on Miss Benita’s life and her journey through cancer, I am reminded of the power of faith and community. I am inspired by her courage and her unwavering trust in God, even in the face of death. Many people supported us during this difficult time, providing love, comfort, and hope when we needed it most.

Psalm 31:24 is not just a verse on a page. It is a reminder of the strength and hope that we can find in God, even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is a call to be strong and take heart, even when our hearts are breaking. And it is a reminder that our hope is in the Lord, who has overcome death and has promised us eternal life.

Miss Benita’s journey through cancer taught our family and friends faith in God, community, and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. It reminded us that even in the face of death, we can find peace and strength in God. 

And it showed us we do not measure our legacy by the number of days we live, but by the impact we have on others. May Miss Benita’s life and faith continue to inspire us all to be strong, take heart, and hope in the Lord.

Who wrote Psalm 31:24 and when was it written?

Scholars attribute Psalm 31:24 to King David. He wrote many of the Psalms in the Hebrew Bible.

The exact date of composition is uncertain, as the Psalms were likely written over a period of several centuries. Biblical scholars believe that the Psalms’ compilation and editing into their current form occurred during the Second Temple period (516 BC to 70 AD).

What is the context of Psalm 31:24?

Psalm 31:24 is the last verse of Psalm 31. It is a psalm of David. The psalm is a prayer for help and deliverance in the face of enemies and affliction. In this psalm, David expresses his trust in God. We see that even during his troubles, he asks for God’s mercy and protection.

The context of Psalm 31:24 is one of confidence and encouragement. David affirms his trust in God and encourages others to do the same, saying, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Faced with difficulties and opposition, David is reminding himself and others to stay steadfast in their faith. He says to rely on God’s strength and grace. 

This verse is a fitting conclusion to the psalm, which began with a plea for help and ends declaring trust and hope in God.

What is the meaning of Psalm 31:24?

Psalm 31:24 is part of a psalm that expresses the psalmist’s trust in God during a time of distress and persecution. 

In the preceding verses, David laments on his troubles and his enemies, who are trying to harm him. However, in this verse, he encourages himself and others who have put their hope in God to be strong and take heart.

The verse is a message of hope and encouragement for those who trust in God. It reminds believers they can be strong and take heart because of their faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

What does Psalm 31:24 phrase “Be of good courage,” mean?

“Be of good courage” encourages readers to remain resolute in their faith. It reminds them they have the inner strength to face whatever challenges come their way, and that they should rely on that strength to carry them through.

What does Psalm 31:24 “he shall strengthen your heart” mean?

“let your heart take courage,” reminds readers that courage is not just a matter of physical strength, but also of emotional fortitude. It encourages them to draw on the courage that comes from a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, which can help them overcome fear and doubt.

What does Psalm 31:24 “all you who hope in the Lord” mean?

“all you who hope in the Lord,” reminds readers they are not alone in their struggles. By placing their hope in God, they can find comfort and strength knowing that they are part of a larger community of believers who are also relying on God for support and guidance.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 31:24 (KJV, NIV & ESV)

  • Psalm 31:24  KJV biblical translation says:

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

Psalm 31:24 KJV
  • Psalm 31:24 NIV biblical translation says:

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

Psalm 31:24 NIV
  • Psalm 31:24  ESV biblical translation says:

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! 

Psalm 31:24  ESV

How does Psalm 31:24 give encouragement?

Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” This verse provides encouragement to those who are facing difficult situations by reminding them to have faith and trust in the Lord.

It is a reminder that no matter what challenges they face, they are not alone, and that they can find hope and strength in their faith.

How can I apply Psalm 31:24 to my life?

Here are a few ways you can apply this verse to your life:

  • Find strength in God: When faced with challenges or difficult situations, turn to God for strength. Place your trust in Him and draw on His power to help you persevere.
  • Take heart: Don’t give up! No matter how tough things may seem, keep your hope and faith alive. Remember that God is with you and will guide you through difficult times.
  • Trust in the Lord: Believe in God’s goodness and love, and trust that He will provide for you. Have faith in His plans for your life, even when you can’t see the way forward.
  • Encourage others: Share the message of this verse with others who may be struggling. Remind them they are not alone, and that God is always there to support them.

Psalm 31:24 is a powerful reminder of the strength and hope we can find in God. By putting our trust in Him, we can overcome any obstacle and face the future with confidence.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 31:24

Psalm 31:24 is a verse from the Bible that reads, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” A Psalm 31:24 prayer is a prayer inspired by this verse, which expresses a sense of trust, courage, and hope in God.

Here is an example of a Psalm 31:24 prayer:

Dear God,

With a heart full of hope and trust in you, I come to you today. I pray you give me the courage I need to face the challenges of this day and that you strengthen my heart so that I may persevere through the trials that come my way.

I know that with you by my side, I have nothing to fear, and I can face whatever comes my way with confidence and strength. I pray you fill me with your peace and surround me with your love, so that I may be a beacon of light to those around me who are also struggling.

Thank you for your constant presence in my life, and for the hope that I find in you. I trust in your love and your power to guide me through this day and all the days to come.

In Jesus’ name, 
Amen.

Conclusion:

Psalm 31:24 provides encouragement by reminding readers to stay strong, have courage, and put their trust in the Lord. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges they face, they are not alone, and that they can find hope and strength in their faith

Today’s article is from the forthcoming book: “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship | The Bible Speaks to Life Issues, Book Three” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. from Poetry and Prayer Press (c) 2023

Books by Jimmie Aaron Kepler are available online at SEE JIMMIE’s BOOKS

Photo Source: All photos and videos were taken by the author unless noted in the photo caption, unless otherwise credited.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.