Holding Firm

The Psalmist advises us to "hold firm and take heart." (Ps 27:14). In reflecting on our own weaknesses and shortcomings, this admonition can keep us from discouragement. We have often heard St. Paul's "the things I do not want to do, I do, and those I want to do, I do not." A good description of us. Yet, God not only tells us to hold firm, but often gives us a "sign" that he knows of what we are made, knows those shortcomings, and yet loves us still. We begin to realize that we make him happy despite them and bring delight to him by our efforts to hold fast, or by our simple prayers for mercy and help. A letter from a friend, meeting up with an old friend after a long absence, a phone call, a word from Scripture, all these can be taken as signs of God's delight in us, and enticements to "stay the course." It's in the little things that God speaks. May we not lose faith but "hope in the Lord." (Ps 27: 14).
Bro. Rene