Pastor column: I will always have hope
There is a desperate need for hope in the world. Christianity stands as a light in the darkness. The Church offers the light of hope in a dark world. Optimism is defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.”
In other words, it’s a positive outlook based on the conviction that things are going to get better! Christians have every reason for optimism. Why?
In Psalm 71, David shares five reasons why he declared, “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You [God] more and more” (vs. 14).
Reason #1: God will always hear our prayers. “In You, LORD, I have taken refuge … turn Your ear to me and save me … You are my rock and my fortress … For You have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth” (vs. 1-5). It’s so awesome that God always hears our prayers! This is a great reason for hope.
Reason #2: God will always be our protector. “From birth I have relied on You … You are my strong refuge” (vs. 6-7). God is our strong refuge! And one way that we let Him be a refuge for us is to simply talk to Him about our struggles. Psalm 62:8 says, “Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” So remember as you face the battles of life you can relax because God is our refuge.
Reason #3: God is always faithful. “For You have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth” (vs. 5). God’s faithfulness brings protection, provision and His presence with faith, hope and love. God doesn’t just sit and watch the unfolding of your life. He’s actively working in your life, blessing you with a renewing power!
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Reason #4: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come” (vs. 18). David’s testimony was clear. “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You [God] more and more … I declare Your power to the next generation.”
“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5). Everything that God does is good. When God makes a promise, He keeps it. When God gives direction, it’s always correct. When God pronounces, His will it’s always a blessing!
Reason #5: “You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side” (vs. 21). Remember the God of all hope is faithful to his people both now and forever. God has poured out His love, grace and acceptance upon those who would humble themselves and come to Him.
Are you in need of hope today? That can change. God wants your life to be a living hope. Ask God to do His work of hope into your life right now!
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: God and the church provide hope in your life
