Scripture: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” – Psalm 31:24
Examination of chapter: David seeks God’s protection at a time when he is being besieged by his enemies. He cries out to God, knowing that He will deliver him. David knows that his hope lies in the Lord, and that God will always be faithful , merciful, and trustworthy to keep His Word.
Application: April is recognized as the “National Month of Hope”. This day was established to promote resilience, positivity, and a hopeful mindset. But no matter how many months or days are dedicated to hope, it is a perpetual search in this world as there is nothing that can offer permanent hope. No relationship, no job, no bank account, no medical procedure. Absolutely nothing in this world can offer a true, everlasting hope.
But God can.
He gives us hope in the gospel… the dead, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:5 states, “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;”
He gives us hope in His Word. Romans 15:4 states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
He gives us hope in our future with Him. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
He gives us hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2 states, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
Because we have assurance of these truths in the Scriptures, we can find comfort in a world that offers nothing but chaos, fear, and hopelessness. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 states, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” Because we have hope in Jesus, we can confidently tell others about Him, offering them the same wonderful hope that we received when we placed our faith and trust in Christ.
We have the hope the world seeks, and that hope is Jesus. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Share the truth of Jesus with others because in doing that, you will be giving to them the hope that they desperately seek. By placing our hope in God, we can join the psalmist when he says to the Lord, “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)
Memory Verse: “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.” – Psalm 39:7
Stretching your thoughts:
1. In what things have you placed your hope? How reliable are those things?
2. When you are feeling hopeless, what verses help you “flip the switch”?
My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.
For me He died, For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe,
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
For me He died, For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
(from “My Hope is In the Lord” by Norman Clayton)