HOPE IN GOD

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset?
I should put my hope in God
and keep praising him, my Savior.”
Psalm 42:5
New Century Version

There are many things in life that come to discourage us and cause us to be weary, despondent and feel without hope. Just looking at the news or glancing over the headlines can be very depressing. Last month, wholesale stores began rationing the amount of rice they sell to customers. Gas prices are almost four dollars in some states. Also, the number of parents killing their own children is on the rise. This does not even include personal challenges in finances, relationships, and health. The list goes on and on.
The Psalmist had problems of his own. He was in exile away from Jerusalem and unable to worship in the house of God. He was fighting depression and struggling with doubts and fears. He cried day and night because of his situation and poured out his heart before God. He was longing for spiritual renewal that only came from the fountain of living water, the presence of the Lord. Not only that, but he was bearing the reproach of his enemies who taunted him repeatedly and questioned his character before God. But, in the end, David was able to talk to himself and encourage himself in the Lord. He knew his help would only come from the God.
Do not lose hope! Hope is the expectation of future good. We cannot put our hope in medicine. The very antibiotics they are prescribing is causing a very harmful bacteria called Clostridium difficile (c-diff). We can’t hope in the economy. The dollar is down and analysts say a recession is inevitable. Our hope is not in Obama, Clinton, or McCain. Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). Our only hope is Jesus Christ, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)!
Depression, frustration and weariness will come. But, don’t despair. Cry out to God and begin to praise and worship Him. He is our hope. He will meet and exceed every expectation of future good. Hope in God.
Today, do not allow circumstances in your life or in the world around you to rob you of hope. Hope is what your faith rests on (Hebrews 11:1). Encourage yourself in the Lord and share the hope of glory with others who may be experiencing difficulties and feeling there is no hope. “I would have fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).