....
and will praise You yet more and more. The “but” of this quote
from Psalm 71:14 indicates that the Psalmist is making the decision
to continue to hope in spite of all that is going on. And in the
midst of this time of great shaking of everything in our lives that
can be shaken, it is important that we too hope continually. Faith
and hope are inextricably linked but they are not the same. One
aspect of the difference was emphasized for me this morning, in
another part of this morning's readings. In the story of the woman
with the issue of blood who was healed when she touched the hem of
Jesus garment we read that it was her act of faith that healed her
(Luke 8:48). Likewise in Hebrews 11 we read over and over that by
faith such and such a thing was accomplished. Concerning hope on the
other hand we read “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that
is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with
perseverance” (Romans 8:24, 25).
Our
primary hope of course, which is a sure hope (Hebrews 6:19), is of
our place in eternity, for “if in this life only we have hope we
are of all men most miserable (1 Cor 15:9). But the “only” points
to hear and now hope. One
of my favourite verses in NKJV is “I would have lost heart, unless
I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In
the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). And part of what I am putting my hope in, is
the prophetic word that through Chuck Pierce who heard from the Lord
that we would be tested with a plague like invasion until passover
(the week after Easter). In any case there will be an end to this. And in the meantime I will praise Him yet
more and more. In the words from a popular chorus “My weapon is a
melody.” Praise is indeed part of the arsenal of our nightly
weapons of this spiritual warfare.
As
I am sure you are aware the world is in turmoil and those without
Christ have no real hope. In this season, our hope and joy need to be
contagious. And it will not be contagious if it is not real.
Perhaps you are not there yet, but whether or not our 911 emergency
response (Psalm 91:1) needs to be that we spend quality time in the
secret place abiding under the shadow of the almighty, claiming His
promises (i.e. Verse 10). Psalm 9:11 is also interesting it reads
“Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds
among the people.”
Lord,
I thank You for the healing of my sister debilitating dizziness
yesterday as several of us prayed for her. Thank You for her joy as
she was then able to function in the work You are using her for at
this time. And for this, and for many other benefits I praise and
bless You again this morning, as I put my trust in You, for You are
my hope. Help us to eagerly wait for it with
perseverance in Jesus Name Amen
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