Jan 14 – Let Your Heart Be Steadfast!

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

For a tree to rise tall and flourish, its root must go deep and firm. Likewise, for a believer to be spiritually steadfast, a deep life of prayer and communion with God is essential.

Some believers have been Christians for thirty years, yet a small trouble is enough to shake them. They immediately become discouraged and even deny the Lord in their distress. Pastors and servants of God must repeatedly comfort them, strengthen them with promises, and bring them back into the fold.

Without a steadfast heart, a soldier will flee like a coward. Without steadiness, a student—fearing failure—may avoid writing the exam altogether. In every area of life, a steadfast heart is necessary.

God Himself strengthens a steadfast heart. Apostle Peter wrote to the believers: “May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

Doctors may prescribe supplements to strengthen the body. They may advise exercise. But more important than physical strength is the strength of the heart. Apostle Paul says: “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines… for it is good that the heart be established by grace.” (Hebrews 13:9)

Two things stabilize the heart: waiting on the Lord, and the grace of God. But we must willingly submit ourselves to God so that He may establish us. And this requires patience. Waiting is difficult—but essential. In today’s impatient world, waiting patiently for the Lord feels difficult. Some, instead of waiting for God’s time, run behind politicians or others for jobs or college admissions. But Scripture warns us not to trust in man.

Look at David. His heart was steadfast because he waited for the Lord. “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:1–3). What a beautiful testimony!

Children of God, strengthen your hearts. When we wait patiently, God Himself strengthens our hearts and establishes our paths. “You also be patient. establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8) May your heart remain unwavering, steadfast, and rooted in Christ throughout this year.

Verse for further meditation: “In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.” (Isaiah 54:14)