I pray that you have been as blessed by our series on HOPE as much as I have. Before we began I didn’t know that my understanding of hope was rather limited. Delving into the Hebrew words of the Old Testament gave me a much clearer picture and helped me realize that being bound to the Lord is the source of my hope. He keeps me from falling apart!
The study also helped me realize that many times I am actually wishing instead of hoping. I can desire or want something, but unless these things are based on God’s word and promises I can’t really have a confident expectation they will come to pass. They might happen, but without confidence and trust it’s just wishing. The Lord is the only one in whom I can truly trust.
Many of the words translated as hope have to do with taking refugee or shelter, or a place where we flee for protection. As I pondered that I thought about my home. When I come home I relax and feel secure because I know that the earthly elements of heat, cold, and storms cannot reach me there. I am at peace because, unless I let them in, no one will harass or harm me there. It is also a place of joy and happiness because of the loving relationships that are fostered within my fortress. This helped me understand why Psalm 91 begins with the words “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High”. We can have those great hopes when we make our home with God and dwell in His Fortress.
Our study began because of the passage in Romans 5:3-4 which says that tribulation is a training ground for developing hope. That passage ends in verse 5 with the promise that hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Little lamb, I encourage you to have a favorable and confident expectation, a forward look with assurance. The Good Shepherd loves you dearly!
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