Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD. I. BELIEVERS MAY HAVE GREAT NEED OF STRENGTH FROM GOD. 1. David knew this, and from his own experience declares what God will do for His people. 2. There are many trials which the believer shares in common with the men of this world. 3. There are others peculiar to himself. He may be calumniated and despised; deprived of the fellowship of other Christians; cast down by reason of his departures from God, so that he walk in darkness and hath no light. 4. And there are sorrows which come to him through the sins of others. Those near and dear to him living in sin; the wickedness of the world; the divisions of the Church and her cold-heartedness. II. THE HOPE WHICH THE CHRISTIAN HAS IN GOD. It does not make him neglect means. It is founded on the Lord Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection and intercession. It implies that his life is free from presumption and that he prays for the Divine blessing. III. CONCLUSION. 1. Expect trials. 2. Maintain faith. 3. Remember the promises 4. Tell others of Christ. (B. W. Noel.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. |
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