“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Pep rallies have never won a game, but they sure can inspire the ones who can win the game. Prior to high school football and basketball games, lots and lots of hoopla filled the gymnasium. Coaches, teammates, and cheerleaders all sought to stir up the students and faculty in a spirit of “can do” enthusiasm. Though I might not have realized it at the time, it made a big difference.

There’s a difference between “pumping up” others with false hope and “stirring up” one another with hope in God. In our nation’s early founding, Samuel Adams was a God-called Cheerleader of Hope. After of series of demoralizing defeats, General Washington headed towards Valley Forge. Ammunition was wet, and the army was weary and discouraged. John Adams wrote, “The prospect is chilling on every side; gloomy, dark, melancholy and dispiriting.” Into this scenario of need, God brought Sam Adams’ undaunting voice for independence.

Adams’ zeal and resolve came from personal faith anchored in God’s Word. Historians point to a letter he wrote to his wife, Betsy. He wrote, “The Name of the Lord,’ says the Scripture, is a strong tower, hither the righteous flee and are safe. Let us secure His favor, and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.’”

Historian Wells in the Life and Service of Samuel Adams recounts Adams’ words amidst the gloom of those gathered in York for the re-convening of the Continental Congress. Few in number, they had fled from Philadelphia:

“Gentlemen., your spirits appear oppressed with the weight of the public calamities. Your sadness of countenance reveals your disquietude. A patriot may grieve at the distress of his country, but he will never despair… If we wear long faces, long faces will become fashionable. The eyes of the people are upon us… numerous have been the manifestations of God’s providence in sustaining us. In the gloomy period of adversity, we have had our cloud by day and pillar of fire at night. We have been reduced to distress, and the arm of Omnipotence has raised us up. Let us still rely in humble confidence on Him who is might to save. Good tidings will soon arrive. We shall never be abandoned by heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection.”

 In the spirit of Samuel Adams, let us position ourselves in Christ, resting upon His Word for the good of both the Right and Left Hand Kingdoms of His making. A “Godly Pep Talk” based in Christ and on His Word can make a difference.