A Steadfast Confidence

Our church “slogan” for 2021 is “Need Hope? C’mon in! We have plenty to spare.” That’s not some misplaced boasting or pollyannish philosophy based on ignoring what is happening in our world. It is a hope founded in the God of the Bible.

When David was facing a powerful conspiracy and all his friends abandoned him because his demise seemed near, he was able to write these words:

“Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:23-24)

How could David possibly write such encouraging words in light of what he was facing? If his confidence was based on his own abilities or those of others, he couldn’t.

However, David’s confidence was based on a personal relationship with his Lord, in which he placed his trust:

“Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5)

While fear can be real, it is always based on false evidence appearing real. David looked at his circumstances and reminded himself that he had been redeemed by the “God of truth.”

We can look at what is happening in America and be displeased with what we see, but we should never become discouraged. We have a steadfast confidence founded on a sure hope.

If all we do is watch cable news and listen to talk radio, our hope will disappear because we are concentrating on the wrong people and perspective. Even if the doomsday predictors are correct, which they never are, we can rest in the God of truth, our Creator:

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:18-19)

There’s that word fear again. Yes, but this one is based on a reverent fear of the one true God, not on false evidence. Like David, we need a good reminding every once-in-awhile. We need to give ourselves a “good talkin’ to” and ask ourselves:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)

Hope in God…hope in God…hope in God…

When you find your soul downcast and you murmuring to yourself, remember to hope in God. Remember how when you first came to Christ, how you were trusting the Lord in all things. It will help you hope in the One who saved you:

“For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)

Have you noticed that all the verses I’ve quoted this morning are from Psalms? Perhaps I’m on to something?

If you haven’t already started a new Bible study, that may be why you’re so despondent. Try reading five psalms a day. There are 150, five for each day of the month (1st – 1-5; 2nd – 6-10; 3rd – 11-15, etc.). Psalm 119 is quite long so I advise you read that on the 31st or at night.

What you will find after a month is that a renewed hope will arise within your soul.

That’s because God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet, one that we can follow and trust all the days of our lives.

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4