Psalms 31:25

 

Psalms 31:25

Verse

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (USCCB) Bible Hub+3USCCB+3Bible Gateway+3
(Sometimes rendered: “Be strong and courageous in your hearts, all you who place your hope in the Lord.”) Bible Gateway+1

 

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Simple Explanation

• This verse is an exhortation: the psalmist is urging those who hope in the Lord to be bold, to be strong, and to let their hearts find courage. Bible Hub+1

• “Hope in the Lord” means trusting God, relying on His power, faithfulness, mercy—not merely a passive wish but a confident waiting. onewalk.com+1

• The strength and courage spoken of are not purely human strength—they come because the Lord is with us, and our hope is set in Him. Bible Hub+1

• In the larger context of Psalm 31, the psalmist has experienced grave difficulty, affliction, feeling abandoned, yet trusts in God’s deliverance. The call to courage comes after that experience of trust in God. USCCB+1

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Application (for Catholics & Catechumens)

Here are ways to live out this verse:

1. In prayer: When you feel fear, doubt, or are in a difficult season, recall this verse. Remind yourself: I am not alone; I place my hope in the Lord. Then ask for the courage to trust Him.

2. In the sacraments & community: As a Catholic or catechumen, you are part of the Body of Christ. Encourage one another: share how God has helped you, remind each other of this call to strength for those who hope in Him.

3. In daily life:

   • When making a decision or facing a challenge (health, work/study, relationship), you can anchor your hope in the Lord’s guidance rather than only your own strength.

   • When you see the suffering of others, be an instrument of hope. Your courageous heart can comfort them.

   • Let your hope lead to action: generosity, forgiveness, service—because hope in the Lord frees the heart from mere fear or passivity.

4. In catechesis: This verse helps highlight the theological virtue of hope (one of the three theological virtues: faith, hope, charity). For catechumens especially, it’s a reminder that hope is active and rooted in Christ. lavishmercy.com

5. In liturgy and worship: Use this verse as a refrain in your personal or communal prayer, especially when the Church invites us to trust in God amid trials. It may also be a good verse to memorize and meditate on.

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Reflection Prayer

Lord God,
You call me to hope in You. I admit that at times my heart is weak and fearful.
Help me to be strong and courageous—not by my own power, but because You are my rock and refuge.
Teach me to wait on You with trust.
When the winds of doubt blow and the storms of life rage, let my hope in You anchor me.
Inspire me to encourage others who are struggling, that together we may lift our hearts in confidence.
May Your Spirit fill my heart with courage, and may my life show forth the joy of one whose hope is in You.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Source Links

• Full text of Psalm 31 (USCCB) – see verse 25. USCCB+1

• Reflection about Psalm 31:25 and hope. lavishmercy.com+1

• Commentary on verse 24/25 (“Be of good courage… all you who hope in the Lord”). Bible Hub