Staying Strong!

Staying Strong!

Psalm 31:24 AMPC

[24] Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!

Another song by David, the man referred to by God as a man after His own heart. The story behind the song here is not clearly stated, but knowing David and his lifestyle, there would have been something. I do not have the faintest idea what life was like in his own time but picture a young boy who was minding his father's sheep, and then havimg to deal with attacks from the lion and the bear. He had no previous experience dealing with such, but he managed anyway. There he was also, minding his own business, but suddenly called upon to be king. To add to the confusion, there was no physical vacancy for that role, as there was a king already in place at the time, but God went ahead anyway to ask the prophet to anoint him as king. David had to navigate many trenches, disasters and distractions so that he could remain focused on the assignment he had been given. What was it about this young man's life that attracted this much attention?

We also see the application of the lessons he had learnt in private being applied in his public exploits. He brought the lessons he had learnt from his experiences with the lion and the bear to his confrontation with Goliath the bully. This is where the private encounters with God become critical; there is nothing that can replace these encounters. You do not get to make such public affirmations without an effective backing. You do not get to confront giants and warriors unless you are sure of the One who is backing you up. Of course, we know that David did not get here overnight or by accident. This was a long journey of depending on God in the good or bad times. It did not make a difference what was going on with David and his personal life; he always made sure to keep the communication and feedback channels with God open and clear of any distractions or obstructions.

That has to my own default setting too. It cannot be the weekly, monthly or annual ritual where I try to catch up on what I had missed in between these infrequent appointments. It has to be regular; it is by constant exposure that I get to be used to God's voice, His leading and direction. That is why my heart is critical in this assignment. It is the place where God must sit and take charge, if my life is to have direction and impact. It is not a wonder that David charges us to be strong and let our hearts take courage. He provides the critical information: this is for those who wait for, hope for and expect the Lord. It is not for those who have found other self-help measures, and think they can make it on their own. As long as you are sure that God is your only source, you will be helped. God has never be known to disappoint. He is always there: reach out to Him and see Him work wonders in and through your life. God's time of favour is here.