Courage
Psa 31:20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
It began with just a tiny drop, but then, almost immediately a huge torrent began to pour down. Little streams of water soon turned to major channels of water as the little valley that up until just a few moments ago was such a beautiful place for a day’s hike, turned into a giant downspout. Caught in the middle with too much of a distance to the elevated sides of the canyon, there seemed to be no way of escaping the devastating force that appeared to be removing everything in its path. Then, almost as if it had been formed before their eyes, something appeared right above them on the hillside that didn’t seem to be moved by the power of the flood. A few quick steps carried them to the small rise of a rock that, while not keeping them from the wetness of the rain, elevated them from the certain destruction of the racing water around them. As soon as feet found the firmness of the rock, hearts that were overwhelmed by desperation and hopelessness found courage and strength.
Strolling along a beautiful life path with an apparent day of enjoyment ahead, there is a potential threat to the security of that day. From apparently nowhere, a small word is spoken- the simple suggestion of fault or wrongdoing. If it were only this small drop alone it might dry up, but as it is joined by other destructive words a force begins to build of powerful proportions that starts carrying away the surrounding beauty. Though this force might not be all that significant in another level location, the confinement of the surrounding terrain channels it in such a way as to remove all hope of escape. Without a doubt, there will be so much carried away that had recently brought such joy, and it would seem that there might not be any preservation of life at all.
In this place of desperation, to the eye that will be slightly raised, there is a an elevated area on the hillside just above. It might take a little effort to get to it, but once feet arrive on the solidity of its Rock, fear and hopelessness will give way to courage and hope. The ground that had begun to provide little traction is left for the sure and established substance that goes deep and rises high enough for separation from the destruction of the strife. The rain may continue and its effect might be felt in the impact and cold moisture that covers all the body, but, remaining on this place of refuge brings a certainty that everything will be all right. The storm will eventually pass, new plants will replace those that had been carried away, and there will be passage to the world of progress once more. This time of waiting for the storm to cease may seem to be endless, but the heart has opportunity to remain encouraged by the surity of the rock, and its power makes it possible to continue through any threats, degradation or destruction that might be poured down in the torrent of words.
May the strife cease and may there be passage to the place of beauty once more where life is enjoyed to its fullest. May, however, the desperate and hopeless heart find refuge in the solidity of God’s presence. May there be a discovery of His elevated place of security and may the possibilities overwhelm the impossibilities in the renewed spirit of hope. The words may still come down, impact and leave their residue. They may still seem to be carrying away everything that surrounds, but for the heart willing to look up, there is this Rock of salvation that will be a place to make it through the storm to a new life of opportunity ahead. The strength of the Rock, if chosen, will bring fullness of life once more with courage and strength right now.
Psa 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Psa 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
