I Hope
Psalm 146:5-10 (NLT)
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the Lord!
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
10 The Lord will reign forever.
He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the Lord!
Think about how many times we say “I hope” throughout the year, not even realizing or claiming the spiritual promises of the hope that is promised to us as followers of Christ. I hope I get this new job. I hope you feel better soon. I hope I can sleep tonight. I hope our church starts growing. I hope next year is better. I hope I win the lottery.
Every day we see people who are hoping for something. Some are hoping for material things of this world, but most are simply hoping for peace, love, and joy. This Psalm reminds us of the 1st promise of Advent, hope.
People were facing the same things in the days of King David as they are today. People are oppressed by various addictions, worries, and stresses. Many are hungry and in need of basic food from day to day. There are those who are imprisoned, whether physically or spiritually, and in need of freedom from guilt, hurt, and sin.
Blindness afflicts the masses (churched and unchurched) as we are conditioned to turn a blind eye to Biblical truth. When you see most people today, their heads are bowed down, usually because they are immersed in nothing but their cell phones instead of being engaged with those around them.
Foreigners, the fatherless and the widows are all about us, but what do we really ever do personally to be the hands and feet of Christ to them -- rather than passing them by, hoping that they get help and support from someone else?
The good news from this Psalm reminds us that all is not lost and that there is hope! Whatever the affliction or human condition, the God of Jacob blesses and perfects those whose hope is in the Lord. So, the next time we say “I hope,” let’s not do so callously or carelessly. Instead, say it as a follower of Christ with the conviction and belief that the power of God almighty will be revealed!
Prayer: God, help me to remember that you are the Maker of heaven and earth and that You knew me in the womb even before I was born. I have no need to worry or to hope in vain, because my hope and victory is in you! Thank you for my purpose in this world as a child of God! Amen.
Every day we see people who are hoping for something. Some are hoping for material things of this world, but most are simply hoping for peace, love, and joy. This Psalm reminds us of the 1st promise of Advent, hope.
People were facing the same things in the days of King David as they are today. People are oppressed by various addictions, worries, and stresses. Many are hungry and in need of basic food from day to day. There are those who are imprisoned, whether physically or spiritually, and in need of freedom from guilt, hurt, and sin.
Blindness afflicts the masses (churched and unchurched) as we are conditioned to turn a blind eye to Biblical truth. When you see most people today, their heads are bowed down, usually because they are immersed in nothing but their cell phones instead of being engaged with those around them.
Foreigners, the fatherless and the widows are all about us, but what do we really ever do personally to be the hands and feet of Christ to them -- rather than passing them by, hoping that they get help and support from someone else?
The good news from this Psalm reminds us that all is not lost and that there is hope! Whatever the affliction or human condition, the God of Jacob blesses and perfects those whose hope is in the Lord. So, the next time we say “I hope,” let’s not do so callously or carelessly. Instead, say it as a follower of Christ with the conviction and belief that the power of God almighty will be revealed!
Prayer: God, help me to remember that you are the Maker of heaven and earth and that You knew me in the womb even before I was born. I have no need to worry or to hope in vain, because my hope and victory is in you! Thank you for my purpose in this world as a child of God! Amen.
Eddie Bucklen, Heart and Hand Outreach Ministries South Charleston, WV, executivedirector@hhomwv.org Executive Director
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