Be Strong and Take Heart

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  04/29/21

Though we are confident that God has the power to deliver us from any situation or circumstance in life, we often lose hope as we try to figure out solutions to our problems. The fact remains that despite our most determined efforts to make life work harmoniously for us, we need God.

When there is no hope in our lives, we become despondent. We wonder how we are ever going to make it. Despite all our knowledge of what God can do, we opt to wallow in pity and despair. When this becomes our response, we are like many characters in the Bible.

David, who experienced the pit of despair on more than one occasion, commanded his soul to praise God, even though he did not feel hopeful or encouraged. He wrote, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).

David lived as though both praise and hope were synonymous. To him, hope was not possible without praising God. He wrote, “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more” (Psalm 71:14).

When we praise God, hope will rise up within us. We realize that, although our situation may look bleak, we are not without a Savior. What an encouraging feeling to know that someone is willing to rescue us—not only to save the day but also to reverse our circumstances.

As we open our mouths, may our words speak what we know is true in our hearts: God will hear our prayers and words of praise and one day fulfill His promise to restore all things.

Prayer: Lord, reveal the power of praise to me today. Help me to experience the overwhelming hope that comes with praise. Thank You that those who hope in You are never put to shame (Psalm 25:3). I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24).