Our Hope is in the Lord - Psalms 70-71 and Romans 8:22-39
The Christian meaning of the word "hope" is different from the regular definition of hope. When the world speaks of hope, there is a lack of assurance as to the outcome of a situation. We might say, "I hope he comes to see me." The Christian hope is sure, because it is based on what God has said He would do, and He always fulfills what He says. David was putting his trust in the Lord as his hope. He was confident that God would take care of him in the future. He did have some questions about how God would protect him, but he was trusting in God's wisdom. David mentions getting old a couple of times in these psalms. Why did he mention that? When he was old, he would no longer be strong, and his enemies could take advantage of him. He was asking God to protect him, then. In other words, David was sure God would do it, so it was hope, but he was not sure of how God would do it. Do you have that kind of hope? Are you able to trust God for the future, even though you do not understand everything? I pray that you have that kind of hope.
Paul spoke of that hope in Romans 8. In fact, he defines Christian hope for us. I did not make it up. It is God's definition, which He inspired Paul to record for us. Paul encouraged us to hope in the Lord that He would work out heaven and the details of the end of the world as we know it. We can have hope, when we are assured of God's love and the fact that He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Is that you? If it is, then, you can trust God to work out your life and the world events for your good. You and I can be assured that we will never be separated from the love of Christ, because God is for us, so who could be against us. We can all see that this hope is reasonable if God is all-powerful and all-knowing. Nothing can keep Him from doing His will. We can take that to the bank and rest in His power with a confident hope.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 72-73 and Romans 9:1-15.
Paul spoke of that hope in Romans 8. In fact, he defines Christian hope for us. I did not make it up. It is God's definition, which He inspired Paul to record for us. Paul encouraged us to hope in the Lord that He would work out heaven and the details of the end of the world as we know it. We can have hope, when we are assured of God's love and the fact that He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Is that you? If it is, then, you can trust God to work out your life and the world events for your good. You and I can be assured that we will never be separated from the love of Christ, because God is for us, so who could be against us. We can all see that this hope is reasonable if God is all-powerful and all-knowing. Nothing can keep Him from doing His will. We can take that to the bank and rest in His power with a confident hope.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 72-73 and Romans 9:1-15.