and take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. [psalm 119:43]
where does your hope rest?
as you spend this time “in the presence of God”, i would love for you to ask these questions in the presence of God, and wait for your heart and God’s Spirit to answer. take a moment, read the passage again, ask for God to speak, and go over these questions slowly asking God to speak as you try and hear the truth from your own heart and the Spirit.
when peace is absent in your heart – where is your hope?
when anxiety is high – where is your hope?
when joy has been stolen – where is your hope?
when you feel alone – where is your hope?
when sadness overwhelms your soul – where is your hope?
[17] the war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. [18] behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, [19] that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. [20] our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. [21] for our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. [22] let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. [psalm 33:17-22]
~ john ryan