You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word. – (Psalm 119:114, NIV)
Hide me and protect me. I trust what You say. – (Psalm 119:114, ERV)
You are my hiding place and my shield of protection; I hope in Your word. – (Psalm 119:114, VOICE)
The dictionary definition of hope is: the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. (dictionary.com) However, for those who hope in Jesus, the word means so much more. When we place our hope in God and His word, it is the blessed assurance that we know God is with us, and are confident that no matter what is going on now, our future is certain in Christ. There is comfort, joy and peace when we place our hope in the Lord and His word. Throughout scriptures, we are reminded that God’s goodness triumphs over all that would feel like it is against us. Ultimately, Jesus provides our every reason to have hope forever. He took all of our sin, shame, hurts, heartaches and fears with Him to the cross. Jesus has felt what we feel, and knows how to contend for us. When we trust in Him and place our hope in His goodness and love, we not only know and experience it here, but we have the blessed assurance that we will spend eternity with Him in the place He has prepared for us. This is the reason that the Christmas season is one that is filled with hope, for Jesus arrived as the hope of the world that had been promised long before. His arrival was hope realized, and His life and love have shown us not only what we have now, but all that is yet to come. May we ever seek the Lord to remind us of the hope we have in Him, and celebrate the blessed assurance that came into the world when Christ was born.
The Light of the world,
Came down unto us;
The hope realized,
Was found in Jesus.
Our safety and help,
Both now and to be;
Blessed assurance,
For you and for me.
Our true hope is found,
Sweet security;
Comfort in knowing,
Love eternally.
No matter what comes,
Hope in God is true;
He’s present to help,
And carry us through.
His light will lead us,
Our anchor through storms;
Good everlasting,
The Hope that transforms.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us what hope truly means. Thank You that You are our hope in the here and now, and the blessed assurance we have in forever with You. Forgive us for forgetting that hope is not a feeling, but rather it is the knowing that is deeply rooted in our souls that reminds us that we are not home yet. Show us how to love those around us in ways that demonstrate and pass on what hope really means. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we place our hope in You and trust in the blessed assurance that we have through knowing You and spending time in Your word. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:5
Revelations In Writing 