Do you need hope today? Do you need encouragement? If you’re in the valley feeling no hope, something is awaiting you. Imagine yourself standing amidst a beautiful mountainous display with the sunshine brightly upon it. Although it may seem far, far away, it is within our grasp with God.
Sometimes we just have to look ahead even it seems too far within our reach. Learn to look with spiritual eyes even if we have no visual before us. A word spoken can open up the picture that will unfold and bring everlasting/eternal hope.
Where do you go to receive eternal hope? I go to the place I know. “I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119: 81) I have a friend who named her ministry, Enduring Hope. I understand why she named it that. God’s Word really does bring hope.
Why should we look to His Word? The answer is in the next verse, “My eyes fail, looking, for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119: 82)
When we look in the wrong places, we grow weak. There is another scripture that talks about failing eyes. It is this, “My eyes fail because of all my foes.” (Psalm 119: 7) Our vision grows dim and cloudy if we are looking not ahead, and looking at our struggles. Here’s why:
- Our eyes are dimmed by failing strength.
- Our eyes are dimmed by grief.
- Our eyes are dimmed by affliction.
- Our eyes are dimmed by disappointment.
- Our eyes are dimmed by deferred hope.
What is a foe? A foe is an enemy who cannot be trusted because their heart is filled with destruction and with their tongue, they speak deceit.
If our eyes continually focus on the thing that destroys our hope, then we engage in getting stuck on, “When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119: 82)
The girl in the picture has to lift her eyes and her head to see what’s before her. Our eyes need to be redirected to pleasant places in the distance to receive hope. It is a lot easier if we can see them, but most of the time we don’t see them; so we have to trust that God has them ahead for us. He is a good, good Father.
If we stay focused on me, then we go round and round the mountain asking why we are not being answered.
If we redirect our attention to put our hope in His Word, we project our need onto His promises. His Word is filled with numerous promises. The Holy Spirit will highlight the one we need that’s just for us to hold on to.
Holding Onto His Word Brings Forth Strength
As I continued reading, the next verse intrigued me. It says, “Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.” (Psalm 119: 83)
Wineskins that are hung before a fire and smoke become smudged and shriveled with the marks of afflictions and being worn. So it is with us!
I love what one commentary said, “Our trials are smoke, but not fire; they are very uncomfortable, but they do not consume us.” (Spurgeon)
We must be determined to determine even if “The wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.” (Psalm 119: 61)
- Whatever binds us can be released by His Word.
(Shared from Psalm 119: 65-96, Modified)
Come Near To Hope
Isaiah is calling out to those who won’t listen. He’s crying out for the nations, “Come near, you nations, and listen; pay attention, you peoples!” (Isaiah 34: 1)
He leads them right where they should be, “Look in the scroll of the Lord and read…”(Isaiah 34: 16)
- Learn to go to His Word for hope.
- God will speak and give you a promise, maybe several.
Joy Brings Hope
Isaiah speaks of joy coming for those who are redeemed. He reassures them, all the places that seem to have no hope will be overtaken by joy. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” (Isaiah 35: 1)
Here’s why. “They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.” (Isaiah 35: 2)
If someone has stolen your dream or your hope, we don’t have to let them. “God will come with divine retribution He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35: 4)
Be strong, do not fear. What happens next? Miracles take place. When? That’s up to God to decide that.
“They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” (Isaiah 35: 10) Just as they did when they returned for Babylonian exile.
“The eyes of the blind will open and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs.” (Isaiah 35: 5-7)
Hope within me is springing forth as I read. That’s a bundle to receive.
(Shared from Isaiah 34-45, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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