“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5
Dear Ones:
In the book of Isaiah, the Lord makes a most remarkable statement: “I, even I, am He that comforts you: who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass?” (51:12) Why does He say this? It is in order for us to see that our hope is NOT to be in man, but in Christ…in God, our Maker and Redeemer. Those who would have man for their trust, are those who are relying upon, not only the limitations of men, but also, the selfishness of men. This does not mean that God cannot, and will not, use men to come to one’s aid, or help. But it does mean that our “hope” and expectation is to be rightfully in God, in Christ alone, for all things. In John’s gospel, we find that the Lord Jesus, “…did not commit himself unto them, because He knew all men, …for He knew what was in man.” (Jn. 2:24,25) What is the great point here? It is a logical one. God has created man to trust Him fully, according to His word, and to LIVE by faith, and in the expectation of His working and intervention. In essence, man is to have one object for “hope,” and it is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, God may use men to do His bidding in coming to the help of those who would believe, but ultimately, it is God who provides, and Him alone.
In Psalm 46:1,2, we read a very encouraging promise concerning the God of the believer: “God IS our refuge, and strength, a very present HELP in trouble. Therefore, we will NOT fear…” The one who has truly set his hope and expectation in God according to His word, is that one who lives in the expectation of His help “in trouble.” Psalm 46 is not an isolated Psalm with regard to this matter of hope. We see this in Psalm 91 also: “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is MY refuge and my fortress: my God, in Him I will trust.” (v.2) What is therefore the expectation of the Psalmist? “Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the perilous pestilence.” (v.3) Here is the promise that God will truly respond to the need, and to the cry of the heart of the believer, who has set his hope entirely upon Him.
What about persevering in hope, determined to live in the expectation of the intervention, and manifestation, of the mercy and faithfulness of God? It is a comforting matter that Abraham did not learn over night to be the man of faith that he became. He finally came to the point of taking God at His word, taking his stand, committing himself to believe Him, even when he could not understand, and had to wait for His “help.” Paul tells us that Abraham, “…staggered NOT at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (Romans 5:20) In Jesus’ words, concerning the matter of truly having faith in God, the application comes down to the matter of prayer: “Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” (Mark 11:24) Paul applies one more “practice” in the matter of faith, and hope: “…in everything by prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING.” (Phil. 4:6) The testimony, and evidence of faith, is a thankful heart that believes that God hears, and answers, according to His promise.
Dear Father, give us to be those who not only believe, but hope, live in the expectation of Your working. Strengthen our hearts to overcome every obstacle to faith, praying with thanksgiving, giving glory to God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad