Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.—Psalm 31:24
My heart began to sink last night and my thoughts began to whirl with every kind of fear. The fear of loss was at the top and the bottom of each one. I knew I did not want to continue down this road. I wanted to dwell in His present goodness thinking on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, virtuous and praiseworthy. But so often when fear begins to take hold it interferes with the sound mind with which my God has blessed me. It weakens my heart and corrupts my thinking. I forget that I am not at the mercy of my thoughts. I forget that God is my Helper and that by His precious Spirit within me, I can take my thoughts captive.
I opened my Bible promise book and turned to the verses about fear. Psalm 31, verse 24 hit me in a way that it never has before. First I saw the command:
Be of good courage…
Then I saw the promise:
And He shall strengthen your heart
As I read I could feel His Spirit lifting, strengthening and encouraging my heart. It was supernatural…it was otherworldly. It definitely was not of me. Before I even had time to cry out, He had answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul. My heart was lightened and I was helped.
Beloved…Place Your trust and your hope in the Lord and take courage! Obey His commands and cry out to God in your fears, your trials and your distresses. Plead His promises in prayer. He is on your side and His banner over you is love. Power from on high will come and His strength will fill you.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'—Isaiah 41:10
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.—John 14:27
