The God of Hope

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Psalm 3:1-3

“Many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God’.” How often do we hear people today saying “there is no hope” for another person? “Nothing will change for so and so,” they say, shaking their heads. What a judgment! One fallible, wicked human condemning another one.

While situations may appear unchangeable, the Bible describes God as the “God of hope” (Romans 15:13). Further, numerous instances in the Bible show that God is both willing and capable of saving and changing people from the trainwrecks of life. We see this in the stories of the Prodigal Son, the Woman at the Well, Rahab the Prostitute, and more. Jonah believed there was no hope for Nineveh, yet God saved that wicked city which seemed unsavable.

Friend, the very personal, triune God is the very essence of holiness, love, and hope. He calls sin as it is: “sin,” in all its direness, but he also FORGIVES sin, changing people’s hearts forever. And that my friend, gives great hope.

Today, I pray we will remember this verse: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). If we find ourselves in sin, let’s take it immediately to Jesus who will forgive (1 John 1:9). If you find yourself discouraged, take it to the God of hope who seeks to strengthen you this day (Philippians 4:13). He sees all that weighs us down and still welcomes us to bring it all to Him to change. He truly is the God of hope.