Job Chapter 11: Verse 18 (NIV-UK)
You will be secure, because there is hope;
you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
Job Chapter 13: Verse 15 (NIV-UK)
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.
Proverbs 13: Verse 12 (NIV-UK)
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Isaiah 40: Verse 31 (NIV-UK)
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Romans Chapter 5: 1-5 (NIV-UK)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we[ also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Once again, even if it was unintended, one of Job’s friends offered some wisdom to him – that he could put his hope in God. Job himself recognises this truth and echoes it in his response. Even although everything else that he held dear appears to have been taken from him, he acknowledges that he will still put his hope and trust in God, no matter what. What a steadfast faith. As I pondered these verses in Job, others flooded my thoughts and I realise how important it is to put my hope in the right things.
Putting my hope in others, or in possessions, or status, mean that I may well be disappointed or let down.
I cannot always be in control of how things work out in my life. But God can, and that’s why I can put my hope and trust in Him, even in times of hardship, just as Paul reminded the Roman church. We may also know our own times of hardship and suffering, but if we put our hope in the Lord, He will strengthen us and give us the ability to get through the circumstances without losing our faith, and even bringing Him glory.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that those who put their hope in You are never disappointed. Help me to be like Job, and hold on to that truth, no matter what. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.