In a world filled with suffering, disappointments, broken promises, abuse, terrorism, addictions, bullying, immorality, bloodshed, and every other vice and evil, when life’s storms are raging high and it appears that all hope is gone, and we like Paul and those on board a ship with him in a violent storm at sea in Acts 27:20, feel like all hope is gone, there is still hope, for dropping down to verses 22-25 we see that God has a different view of things, and Paul urges his fellows “to take heart … For there stood by me this night an angel of God … saying do not be afraid …” Even so God has given us a message of hope through His word in the midst of the dark storm that is all around us in the world. Several times the Psalmist encourages both himself and us to “hope in God” (e.g. 43:5; 42:5, 11, Etc.) In Jeremiah 29:11 God assures His people that His thoughts (or plan) is “to give you a future and a hope”, (or as KJV puts it “to give you an expected end.”) He gives us something to expect, and the hope set before us is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast …” Hebrews 6:18-19. Psalm 119, the foundation of today’s rhyme, refers to the hope we find in God’s word numerous times (e.g. verses 81, 88, 97, 103, 114, and 130). And “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13. Jesus being the manifest word of God, John 1:14, has become our living hope. Without Him we have no hope, (Ephesians 2:12). Call upon Him today.
God’s word gives hope
By Rose Hill
I read Your word and much hope receive,
I meditate on it and believe.
Your words are sweet unto my taste,
To read them often I make haste.
I hope in Your words both day and night,
In Your mercy, O Lord I delight.
Your words quicken me and give me light,
Giving understanding and showing what’s right.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.