In the past year, the word hope has been spoken, sung, read, drawn, painted, and redesigned. It even sparked a political phenomenon. Some may fear it’s been over used, misused, abused, or are just tired of hearing it.
Yet when stressed out the other day, this word came to mind while taking my concerns to God. I was telling the LORD that I couldn’t handle everything. I even began thinking that if I was homeless I wouldn’t have to worry about bills and work. Yes, I was pretty stressed. It was then that this word came to mind – more specifically a verse.
Psalm 42:11 says, “Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieteth within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” I also like the way the New Living Translation puts it:
“Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
This phrase is repeated once more in this psalm and another time in the next psalm. (What’s interesting is that Hope and Faith are second only to Love according to 1 Corinthians 13.) God was reminding me and is reminding you that He can handle any and everything we are facing. Whether it is work, a bill or bills, or that prayer request that seems to go unanswered, you hope in God. Whether you are ill or facing family or financial crisis, you Hope in God. No matter what the issue, pain, situation, worry or trouble… You. Me. HOPE. In. GOD.
Hope
