Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.
MY cloud of battle‑dust may dim,
His veil of splendor curtain Him;
And, in the midnight of my fear,
I may not feel Him standing near:
But, as I lift mine eyes above,
His banner over me is love.
GERALD MASSEY
MY son, thou art never secure in this life, but, as long as thou livest, thou shalt always need spiritual armor.
Thou oughtest manfully to go through all, and to use a strong hand against whatsoever withstandeth thee.
For to him that overcometh is manna given, and for the indolent there remaineth much misery.
Dispose not thyself for much rest, but for great patience.
Wait for the Lord, behave thyself manfully, and be of good courage; do not distrust Him, do not leave thy place, but steadily expose both body and soul for the glory of God.
THOMAS À KEMPIS
This is a public domain version of Joy and Strength.