“Hope in the Lord” (Ps 31)

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord”. (vs24)

Hope in the Lord, and don't put your confidence anywhere else.

Hope in the Lord BEFORE you request something from Him (vs1-8). We read, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily.” By faith, give Him glory as a faithful God and Father, before you ask! Come to Him in Jesus Christ, even as Christ came to the Father in His perfections, knowing that He's a perfect God who rewards the righteous. He said, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth”. We have confidence, boldness, and access, which are ours in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:12).

Secondly, hope amidst the miseries of life (vs9-18); it isn't a praise or weep gospel; it is praise and weep. He said, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength stumbles because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.” We have real needs, and a real God to come to in Christ. Don't waste it. It doesn't do us good to lose hope, but in hope, let us bring every concern, every burden, and lay them before the goodness and holiness of God who always does right. He said, “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God'. My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me”.

Thirdly, praise Him for what He's done, and don't forget His benefits (vs19-22). We read, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men... Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a besieged city!” We were trapped, and now we're free from oppression by the intervention of God. Thus, remembering His kindness is important; it is important to say, “Thanks”, in a God glorifying manner, even as we eat the Lord's Table in remembrance of Christ and in love to each other (1 Cor 11:33-34).

Finally, exhort others (vs23-24). Don't merely praise Him privately or by deeds, but open your mouth and instruct. The Psalmist said, “Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord”. You have something to say, a reason to be happy.