Psalm 119:114 says, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word” (NIV).
This was a Psalm written by David. David, who we see over and over again choosing worship and praise even in his valleys. When his soul was weary, we see him turning time and again to prayer and his comfortable and vulnerable relationship with the Lord. He cried out, he worshipped passionately. He danced. He rejoiced. He wept. He was afraid. But he never lost hope because his hope was in the word. And he overcame ever obstacle placed in his way. This isn’t to say David is to be placed on a pedestal - he was a sinner like you and me. It’s Jesus who we’re striving to imitate. David’s life is an example of undying hope because he placed his hope in the word. Not in soldiers or kings and kingdoms or money or anything of this world - in the word. He knew that God could and would come through for him in every battle and He did. I love the wording of this verse. We need to put our hope in the word. In John 1, Jesus is referenced to as the Word who became flesh. Our hope needs to be in His word. God talks about the reliability of His word repeatedly: Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” Psalm 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in him.” Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Psalm 56:4 “In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Put your hope in the word, not the world. We see so many placing their hope in politicians, in organizations, in financial comfort, the list goes on. Nothing in this world is substantial or eternal. Nothing in this world can sustain hope and bring about peace. The hope the world offers us is always circumstantial and empty. If we place our hope and trust in the Lord, we are simultaneously looking to the hills. We are set free from worry and fear because our hope is in Christ who already has the victory. Our hope is in His word - a double-edged sword, a light for our path when things get dark, everlasting, and full of real comfort we so desperately seek elsewhere. Ask yourself this weekend where you have placed your hope in the past and think of how that ended for you. Think about where you place your hope now. If it’s not in the word, where is your hope and why is that something you’re trusting in more than anything else at this time? What is holding you back from letting go of what you can see and feel and control and giving all to Jesus and placing your hope in Him? He will never let you down, He’s already secured your victory, and He’s waiting with open arms as both a comfort and a shield today.
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AuthorKatie Rusch. Archives
January 2021
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