Hope in God
2003 : Week 11

Today, perhaps more then ever, the world can be an uncertain and terrifying place. There has always been war, but never before has man had the ability to inflict such damage on each other and to the earth itself. A war is raging in Iraq. American, British, Australian, and Iraqi soldiers are dying for what they believe in. Stories of honor and heroism are being lived, but so are stories or horror and tragedy.

Parents are losing their children. Children are losing their parents. Sisters are losing their brothers, and brothers are losing their sisters. Others will return after the battle, but they will never be the same. The things they see will haunt them forever. Many soldiers went as the bravest of people; they will return as empty shells. Echoing within their hollow interiors, past battles rage on…

In such times, it is easy for us to despair, but we should always look to the Bible; Psalm 42 provides us comfort and hope. The writer is facing trials and tribulations that are stretching his spirit and faith to their limits. He begins the verse by admitting his restless soul is in despair. Some of us might feel this way now. Others have felt this way in the past.

While it’s normal to be concerned during a crisis, we should fight against despair. There is danger in allowing our emotions to control us. If this happens, reason no longer governs us. In this fragile state, things could seem hopeless. By definition, hope is the expectation of future good, so it’s irrational for Christians to feel hopeless. Without hope, we don’t believe that God will bless us. Without hope, we abandon our belief in many things we know are true about God: that He loves us, that He can change our circumstances, that He is using our trial for good and that He is in control of the universe. Can you see why this is a tragic state for a Christian to be in?

The Devil wants us to feel like the universe is spinning out of control and God can’t stop it. Obstacles, trials or circumstances confront us, and it appears there is no way to conquer them; it’s difficult to eat, sleep and shift our focus from the problem. While circumstances might be beyond our control, they are never beyond God’s. To think otherwise is to believe the Devil’s lies. Understand this, God does not answer to Satan; Satan answers to God. Despite what those nonsensical and blasphemous Hollywood horror movies suggest, God is the ruler of all. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge, and He is never caught off guard.

In no way do I want to diminish the pain that we’ve all felt. Life can absolutely punish us at times, and the pain can be brutal. God does not expect us to act like Teflon robots with the ‘pain chip’ removed; pain is not supposed to bounce off us. Contrary, God gave us tears so we could cry and hearts that groan when we hurt. He filled us with free spirits that are sickened by injustice and oppression. Yes, God gave us all these things, but God did not give us a spirit of hopelessness.

If you’re in a difficult situation, I pray you do what the Psalmist does. He doesn’t give in to the pain, and he doesn’t give up. Instead, he questions his feelings, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?” He remembers that God is in control, and he reminds himself to trust in God, “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

The Psalmist has learned an important lesson that we all must learn; he knows that God is good. While we go through our trials, God is good. When we feel pain, God is good. When we are confused, God is good. Always, always, always, God is good. He understands that our loving God is always present and has not abandoned him. As a result, the Psalm moves from sadness to a beautiful picture of renewed faith in God.

Difficult times will only end in one of two ways for us: victory or defeat. Our character is made strong if we decide, with all our hearts, souls, minds and bodies to press on. We do this by clinging to God with all our remaining faith. We must search God for answers in these times: ask others to pray for us, seek wise advice and fast. Most importantly, we must pray. For some it will mean finding a place of solitude to consult with God. For others this will mean intense Bible study. For some, it might mean singing God’s praises. Each of us will commune with God in their way, but each of us must commune with God.

If you are in a difficult circumstance, unbind any feelings of despair and let them go. Christian, not only are they irrational; they are wrong. Give the situation back to God in prayer. Arise to a new life of hope in Christ who loves you. He was, is and always will be the God of miracles and ruler of the universe. Nothing is beyond his control. He foresaw your troubles before the foundations of the world were laid. We don’t hope in ourselves. We don’t hope in others. We hope in God. This is as it should be, since God does not disappoint. For every problem you have, God has a divine answer. Seek Him and find it.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always…

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