“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.” Psalm 130:5-8
Do you enjoy watching sunsets? Lieutenant James Brady who won a medal for combat in Korea didn’t. The danger of attack during a night watch was extreme. “I always was before a night patrol, jumpy and worried. How I dreaded watching the sun going down."*
Can you imagine how much Lieutenant Brady loved seeing the sun rise! With even greater anticipation and longing, the soul of the Psalmist waits for the Lord.
He hopes in God’s word, a sure and certain anchor for our faith. When we dwell in God’s word, hope rises in our hearts and we are encouraged for another day.
He hopes in the joy and warmth of God’s steadfast love. The Lord’s gracious love follows us wherever we go. God’s knows who we are and where we are. “I am with you,” Jesus says. We are never really alone.
He hopes in God’s “redemption,” which is plentiful and complete. In Christ our sins are forgiven fully and forever. Jesus has prepared a place for us. Our hope of eternal life is secure.
The world is filled with uncertain events, failed promises, and dashed hopes. In the Lord our future is certain, His promises unfailing, and our hope secure.
A dozen events might crush your worldly hopes today, but in the Lord you have a hope that will never disappoint. Place all your hope in Him, and your soul will be refreshed.
Lord, with great praise I thank You for the certainty of Your redemption and the amazing hope of life forever with You. I long for you more than a watchman for the morning. Amen.
Take Action
Realign your hopes today. Let any false hopes fall away in favor of longing more fully for the Lord and hope that are rooted in Him.
Are you finding it hard to stay hopeful? Pray with a confidential mentor.
*James Brady, The Scariest Place in the World (New York: Macmillan, 2006), 160.