January 24, 2023

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Romans 15:4

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 33:18

Hope is a powerfully positive facet of God’s gift of life. Without it, mental health slides toward a precarious imbalance. Genuine hope for the glorious future promised in the Scriptures is buoyed by fear—true reverence—of God. Hope and the fear of God are two aspects of our thinking that belong together.

A true disciple of the Lord is a willing participant in a continual learning process, perpetually building on foundational truths. The Word of God originates in the mind of God. Therein lies the source of the exquisite, indescribably wonderful nature of the Scriptures. While we need frequent warnings regarding our general human disposition toward sin, the Lord steadily assures us of His presence, loving guidance, and merciful compassion, keeping hope alive. It is in this balanced framework that His Holy Spirit can address specific sins in my life. If I am to be sanctified, I will not only accept what He is telling me, I will endeavor at once to make the needed adjustments, in the strength that His Spirit of grace generously supplies.

If my sense of hope is fading, I must ask the Lord to again show me that thing that needs my immediate attention, and then act promptly, in holy fear and gratitude for His mercy. In doing so, I will be surprised and delighted by an inner joy. But failure to move forward on this point will have its inevitable dimming effect on my awareness of His love and the path He illumines for me. Step forward in faithfulness, beloved!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13