“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow ine the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.”

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”    Psalm 31: 20, 24

The fear and heartfelt humility we have towards the Lord Jesus, is the one thing that will hold us in faith and love. We have faith in Christ because of who He is and the multitude of proofs we experience of His goodness and blessing. These good things, Jesus our Saviour has bought for us at great price, as the result of His infinite love to us.

The good things are not necessarily the physical provision of this life, but the deep spiritual knowledge and trust in His name. There are eternal blessings that the Christian knows, even in this life. We will see these blessings as we draw close to our Lord, and appreciate what He is doing in our lives. They will be seen by other people, and His power will protect us from wagging tongues.

The Christian who is steady and strong in the Lord, will not mind the accusations and gossip of people who don’t value God’s blessings. The Word holds little attraction for them and prayer is tedious. To know the felt presence of Christ is of no value, and to walk a forgiven life is not attractive.

This eternal life is the strength of the believer and the refuge of every redeemed heart.

We need not fear, but be strong, as we rest in the sovereign power of the Lord of everything that exists, and forget the intrigues of godless people.