How to Remain Hope-filled and Thankful
Let’s put our hope in God’s word. He vowed to never forsake us. He promised to be our refuge, our guide, our wisdom, and our provider
Numerous articles about giving thanks have appeared in my inbox this week. So have articles that speak to COVID fatigue and weariness, especially in light of increased restrictions. Illness, isolation, financial stress, increased domestic violence, and loss have taken a toll. We’re all wondering when this will end, and we’re all wishing it will end soon.
The psalmist wrote,
“I am worn out waiting for your [the Lord’s] rescue.” (Psalm 119:81 NLT)
You’d almost think he wrote it for those of us living in 2020, right?
Another version reads,
“My soul faints with longing for your salvation.” (NIV)
The word “faints” carries the idea of a collapse or loss of strength. The psalmist uses it to describe the state of his soul—it’s so weak that he’s almost at the end of himself. He needs God to step in and save him. Nothing less will do.
But the writer doesn’t stop there. If he had, he might have thrown his hands up in despair and uttered, “This angst, this pain, this not-knowing-what’s-going-to-happen-next has gone on long enough. I can’t do this anymore!”
Instead, he follows his first statement with these words:
“but I have put my hope in your word.”
The psalmist turns his focus from his problems to the Problem-Solver.
There he finds new strength and renewed hope.
He demonstrates Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8,
”We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Dear friend, you might feel like the psalmist did when he wrote this verse. You might feel worn out from waiting, too. It’s okay to admit you’re weary. But please don’t stop there.
Hope in God’s Word
Let’s put our hope in God’s word. He vowed to never forsake us. He promised to be our refuge, our guide, our wisdom, and our provider. He also promised that one day He’ll return to take us home where He’ll wipe every tear from our eyes.
We may be worn out waiting for the Lord’s rescue, but we will put our hope in His word. And we will be renewed. Strengthened. Hope-filled. And thankful.
Know you are loved,
Grace
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
