Marsha's Musings: How to Stay Firm in Your Faith

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:7-8 KJV)

What is the 'therefore' there for?  It refers to the previous verses and the evil that is predicted to come (indeed is already here!).  Because of all these things we are to be patient and wait for the coming of The Lord.  Be patient; stablished your hearts: for the coming of The Lord draweth nigh.  

What does it mean to stablished your heart? Strong's Concordance says,

1) to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix

2) to strengthen, make firm

3) to render constant, confirm, one's mind

How does one do this?  Only by getting into the Word of God and digging.  Knowing the truth of God's Word in your heart will accomplish the goal of stablishing it.  You can not remain firm in the face of evil if you have not spent time abiding in Christ and His Word.