All of us need strength to endure life’s unexpected and difficult encounters. In this current environment, we especially need courage and resilience to face things that may come our way.
In our lives, we will experience many challenges, some anticipated, but many more unexpected. With each challenge, there will be unforeseen events beyond our control. To endure these trials, we must remember that God grants us his unconditional promises and all we need to do is have faith and wait for them to unfold.
The great King David, in his writings in the Book of Psalms, said, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” He was speaking of patience, a character trait essential for all of us who wish to persevere through life’s challenges.
When Moses gave Joshua the directive to go into the land that God had promised to the people of Israel, he said “be strong and of good courage.” Moses knew that Joshua would face challenges when they entered the promised land and that some would be devastating.
David’s Biblical Psalms have served as both prayer and hymn books for generations of God’s people. They contain a range of human emotions from joy and thanksgiving to depression and loss. David proclaimed a joyful delivery, which is the reason for the Psalm. In this case, the reason for the song in all probability was that of the deliverance of David from the sustained experience of suffering, and the fact that he had been brought to his “coronation.”
Remember it is natural and appropriate to praise God when we have been delivered affliction. David knew from experience that trust is shown by waiting patiently for God to move on our behalf. The great pianist Oscar Levant once quipped, “Once I make up my mind, I’m full of indecision.” It is sad to say, but too often that is the way many of us operate.
You cannot be indecisive and effective at the same time. God has promised to go before us and arrange circumstances in our favor, when we move forward with faith. Faith in God’s unconditional promises does not eliminate fear but it does empower us with strength and courage to overcome it. So, be strong in your endeavors, knowing that God has your back no what you are facing. Be blessed, and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
