40 Days of Encouragement
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 18 | GOD’S WORD CAN GIVE HOPE
40 Days of Encouragement
Day 18 | GOD’S WORD CAN GIVE HOPE
GOD’S WORD CAN GIVE HOPE
Psalm 119:114-115
“You are my refuge and my shield; your Word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.”
Psalm 119, as most know, is the longest psalm and chapter in the entire Bible. Although the author is unknown (David, Daniel, or Ezra have been suggested), it seems clear that the Psalmist was under duress when he wrote this.
We all need many things, especially under duress: love, hope and encouragement are three that come to mind. And it’s encouraging to me that God knows that too and has provided ways for the author of this psalm – and us – to receive them from Him while we wait for the end of days and eternity in Heaven!
But as the Psalmist was experiencing, there are evil things (and evil spirits) that are working against us and our desire as Christians to live for the LORD.
I like how the Psalmist says to God that “YOU are my refuge and shield” … and “source of HOPE.”
It’s been said that “man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air … but only one second without hope.” I’ve not personally validated those numbers, but I am chagrined to see the suicide rates increasing… especially among adolescents and especially during these past two Covid-predominated years.
So, let me ask, if HOPE was like gasoline, how full is your tank? How would you evaluate your level of HOPEFULNESS? How would those closest to you assess your level?
Then, what can you do to increase your level?
The Psalmist tells us… He is relying on the Lord God to be his refuge and shield and GOD’S WORD to be his source of HOPE. Further, he intends to OBEY the commands of God.
Prayer: LORD, I want to keep my “tank” full of Faith, HOPE, and love. I acknowledge that YOU and YOUR WORD are my filling stations, and I pledge to spend time there, so my tank is full-up. Amen.
Psalm 119:114-115
“You are my refuge and my shield; your Word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.”
Psalm 119, as most know, is the longest psalm and chapter in the entire Bible. Although the author is unknown (David, Daniel, or Ezra have been suggested), it seems clear that the Psalmist was under duress when he wrote this.
We all need many things, especially under duress: love, hope and encouragement are three that come to mind. And it’s encouraging to me that God knows that too and has provided ways for the author of this psalm – and us – to receive them from Him while we wait for the end of days and eternity in Heaven!
But as the Psalmist was experiencing, there are evil things (and evil spirits) that are working against us and our desire as Christians to live for the LORD.
I like how the Psalmist says to God that “YOU are my refuge and shield” … and “source of HOPE.”
It’s been said that “man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, about eight minutes without air … but only one second without hope.” I’ve not personally validated those numbers, but I am chagrined to see the suicide rates increasing… especially among adolescents and especially during these past two Covid-predominated years.
So, let me ask, if HOPE was like gasoline, how full is your tank? How would you evaluate your level of HOPEFULNESS? How would those closest to you assess your level?
Then, what can you do to increase your level?
The Psalmist tells us… He is relying on the Lord God to be his refuge and shield and GOD’S WORD to be his source of HOPE. Further, he intends to OBEY the commands of God.
Prayer: LORD, I want to keep my “tank” full of Faith, HOPE, and love. I acknowledge that YOU and YOUR WORD are my filling stations, and I pledge to spend time there, so my tank is full-up. Amen.