from the Gershomites, Joel the leader and 130 of his relatives;
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.
A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way.
Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands.
Although my spirit is weak within me, you know my way. Along this path I travel they have hidden a trap for me.
Listen to my cry, for I am very weak. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Though a righteous person falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly because of these two smoldering sticks, the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram, and the son of Remaliah.
but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.
The Lord God will help me; therefore I have not been humiliated; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;
Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.