What do you think when you hear or read "Hope in the Lord"? I tend to think, yeah I hope & pray everything works out. Works out? Works out how? Well, if I'm honest, Works out MY way of course... I'm the typical, selfish individual who wants things to work out my way. I'm also prideful enough to think I know what would be best in most situations. In my inner heart though, I also know I have a very limited view compared to the Almighty's infinite insight. HE tells us here in Psalm 31:24 to "Be of good courage". It does take courage "Hope in the Lord" when we are facing hard or frightening situations. We often feel week and useless facing overwhelming odds. We are right to feel that way too!
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The Israelites were (and many still are) praying for the Messiah to come. They thought HE would come as a conquering King. HE will, but first HE came as a servant and sacrifice. HE came to show us how to lead a perfect life and HE left the comforter (Holy Spirit) with us to help. In HIS amazing mercy, HE gave us another chance.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in HIS mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in HIM, because we have trusted in HIS holy name (YHWH). Let THY mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in THEE. ~Psalm 33:18-22
How, when times are so hard? By rejoicing in the TRUTH. No matter how bad, how hard, how terrifying life gets. HE LOVES YOU! Isn't that amazing?! I don't deserve it, but HE loves me anyway. HE loved me before. Sometimes I don't want to take another step, but I look at HIM, Rejoice in my heart because HE loves me, take HIS hand and HOPE in the LORD.
Do you have something hard in your life right now? I'd like to pray for you. Please leave your request in the comments and I will add you to my prayer list this week. ...and please know... YOU are LOVED!
My favorite from last week:
Phyllis Sather @ Phyllis-Sather.com
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Kathryn @ Depths Of Imagination
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