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Psalm 31:23-24

Psalm 31:23 Love Yahveh, all his faithful ones. Yahveh protects the loyal, but fully repays the arrogant.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in Yahveh.

intimidation

It takes strength to stay devoted and loyal. Anyone who has ever tried to love anyone or anything can attest to that. That is why the psalmist first encourages his readers to love God and stay loyal to him, then adds encouragement that they be strong and courageous.

We are living in an interesting era. We have access to more information and quicker means to it than ever in the history of the planet. One would expect adherents to all kinds of religious ideals to be bombarding us with their doctrines all the time. But that is not what is happening. Strangely, any profession of exclusive faith is rare. What accounts for this? One word – intimidation.

Lord, make us strong and courageous so that others might know that you exist, and that pursuing you is worth the battle.