Tag: strengthen your heart

Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.

You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8)

We saw in chapter 1 that the people James was writing to were going through hard times, and so James encouraged them to persevere. And here in chapter 5, we see James returning to that theme.

As he does so, he says, “Strengthen your hearts.”

But how do we do that?

Just say to yourself, “Be strong! Be strong! Be strong!”?

No.

But consciously remind yourself, the Lord’s coming is near. Our troubles won’t last forever. They may seem long, but in comparison to eternity, they’re a drop in the ocean.

Remind yourself he is merciful and compassionate. Remember stories like Job. But also remind yourself of the times God has shown you his mercy and compassion when you’ve been through hard times.

And finally, remind yourself that even now, Jesus is near. So choose to rejoice. And instead of trying to endure in your own strength, humbly cast your anxieties on him. (Philippians 4:4-7; I Peter 5:6-7)

In short, let’s pray as David did.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?

Lord, hear my voice when I call;
be gracious to me and answer me.

My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.”
Lord, I will seek your face…

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me…

I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous.

Wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 10, 13-14)