Surrender to the Holy Spirit brings a life full of hope. Once we understand this type of surrender, we can walk more deeply by faith.
How do we keep that hope from fading? I mean, for the long haul, day in and day out?
God’s Word is the place that fortifies our hope! Take a look at just a portion of Psalm 119:
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
Hope comes from the word (verse 114).
There are days, at least for me, that start off just wrong. It is those mornings, where for some reason the kids are a bit off-kilter, or perhaps it’s time where you need a little space and usually can get that in the morning. But on those mornings, that you just need a few moments to gather yourself for the day, is when, inevitably, there is an interruption that breaks through and denies those few moments that are so important. Sometimes I experience these times just briefly and other times there are prolonged periods where there just seems to be nothing going right and no sight of things changing.
The things of life (in and outside of our marriage) can come at us and make us lose sight of the fullness of life that we have in the Holy Spirit.
The Psalmist was on to something, however. It is clear from Psalm 119 that the writer was praising God for His Word. Take a little time and read the beginning verses of Psalm 119 and you will see the love and gratefulness that is expressed to God for the power, truth, help and hope found in His word. This theme is woven throughout the entire 176 verses!
It has been my personal experience that when my hope and trust in the Lord fades or isn’t as prevailing in every situation in my life that I must turn to the God’s Word for renewal.
Are you in that place? Do you need hope restored?
Come to the Word. Pray out loud verses 116-117,
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
Come to the Living Word. John reminds us that “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14). Jesus is waiting to renew, refresh and restore to us the hope that comes from life in Him. He became flesh to bring us hope. For indeed He is our hope.
Make a plan today to commit yourselves to God’s word. Maybe you started the New Year great in being faithful to reading the word but as the last few months have passed that commitment as waned or you have gotten consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” of life (happens to me more than I care to admit). Start anew today, right now. Take this first day of spring and allow God to bring you hope in His Word. As our hearts are turned toward Good Friday and Easter come back to the Word.
Pray these verses for yourself as you begin again today,
129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.131 I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.132 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.134 Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.135 Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.136 My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law. (ESV)
In Jesus’ Holy name, amen.
My hope is in the Word! Trusting that yours is too!
♥Kim
Image from Pinterest
