Hope in God's word - reflections from Psalm 119

Have you hoped in God’s word lately? 

That should sound like a strange question, because technically, we should be hoping in God’s word all the time!

But just in case you’re running out of steam and need some fresh inspiration, here are 7 Scriptures from Psalm 119 that will stir you to hope in God’s words again!

Psalm 119:43

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.

Our hope inspires what we talk about. That’s true when we're with company; but it’s also relevant when we're alone, you know - walking around the house, saying it all from your heart, the way you really feel...?

But if we lose our hope in God’s word, our mouths also take a different turn! 

When we no longer stand on what God says, we can no longer speak truth. 

David knew this, and as he hoped in God’s rules, he directed his prayer towards what would come out his mouth. 

May you not lose hope in the word of truth, and may those words not be taken utterly out of your mouth!

Psalm 119:49 

Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.

It takes a servant attitude to hope in God's word.

Why is that?

Well, in case you haven’t realized, most of what God ever says totally contradicts our own thinking. 

Need some examples? In the Old Testament God said ‘Let there be light” when there was darkness. In the New Testament, Jesus told a crippled man to take up his bed and walk.

Seriously...he was crippled!

But that’s how God’s word is. 

And so it takes a humble, servant heart to accept God’s illogical truth. 

Psalm 119:74 

Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.

Can hope ever cause offense?

Well, if your hope is based on fear of God, chances are you might not be so popular with some folks. 

And from my experience, sometimes those folks can be other Christians too😮!

But the good news is that you will have the approval and support of those who do fear God.

They will be glad to know you’re still standing on God’s word!

Psalm 119:81 

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.

Chances are, you know what it is to desperately want out of a situation. Sometimes it seems like even your soul is dying!

But there is something that keeps us alive. Our hope in God’s word and truth keeps us going.

Those who wait on and hope in God’s word will renew their strength! 

(Sounds familiar? That's in Isaiah 40:31!)

Psalm 119:114

You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.

Hoping in God’s word makes us confident about His presence and protection.

Psalm 91 tells us something similar: there is protection in God’s presence. 

But this protection is not automatic! You can only get it if you're hoping in God’s words. 

Only then can we claim Him as our hiding place and shield!

Psalm 119:116 

Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope.

One of the fears about hoping is that of being put to shame. When everyone knows you’ve been hoping in God for something He promised, you set yourself up for potential mockery and shame if your hope doesn’t come.

But it’s a risk we must take. 

The sin of David with Bathsheba had produced a child who fell sick unto death (2 Samuel 12:15-23). David fasted, hoping that God would heal the child.

But that didn’t happen. 

What he was praying and hoping for, eventually died.

But he did it anyway, and after the child’s death, he took off his sackcloth and ashes, and started eating again!

Don’t let the fear of being ashamed stop you from hoping in God’s word.

Psalm 119:147

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.

Hope isn’t always a shield from sadness.

But when you hope in God’s words, you can push through the tears in persistent, heartfelt prayer.

David would wake early, even before the dawn, so he could cry before God. 

His hope didn’t die because of what he was going through. Instead, his hope in God’s word helped him through his sorrows. 

David knew how to weep with hope.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! 

7 verses of hope from Psalm 119! 

Activity:

1. How have you been gaining hope from God's word lately? 
2. Do you find that tough experiences make the hope of God's word more real? 
3. Has the fear of embarrassment ever kept you from standing on God's word? 
4. What's your favourite verse from Psalm 119 about hoping in God's word?

Leave your answers in the comments!

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