Hope in the Lord

Hope In The Lord

By George Stahnke December 23, 20182

Psalm 42:6 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation

While many celebrate the joy of the season, there are others who struggle with regret, and deep pain. I have a dear friend who will face this Christmas for the first time without his beloved wife who recently died! I know of another woman whose son committed suicide last month, and a precious brother in the Lord who is separated from his wife and children.

For those I have mentioned and so many others, it is a time of mixed emotion. Still they are grateful for the gift of Jesus and all that his sacrifice brings to us. Their hope is in God and the truths in His Word.

I response to this verse C.H. Spurgeon wrote: "If every evil be let loose from Pandora's box, yet is there hope at the bottom. This is the grace that swims, though the waves roar and be troubled. God is unchangeable, and therefore his grace is the ground for unshaken hope. If everything be dark, yet the day will come, and meanwhile hope carries stars in her eyes; her lamps are not dependent on oil from without, her light is fed by secret visitations of God, which sustain the spirit.”

To all my dear friends, have a blessed Christmas celebration as we all remember and cling to the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Prince of Peace and Savior!

An undivided heart

PBJ Sunday, December 9, 2018

Psalm 86:11 (AMPC) Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk and live in Your truth; direct and unite my heart [solely, reverently] to fear and honor Your name. 

The human heart is easily swayed by the cares of this life, fear of the unknown, and easily gravitating to that which is comfortable and familiar. The heart is also influenced by demonic spirits, bringing temptation to our mind, pushing us toward compromise and a divided heart!

Commenting on this verse Adam Clarke wrote, "Join all the purposes, resolutions, and affections of my heart together, to fear and to glorify thy name. This is a most important prayer. A divided heart is a great curse; scattered affections are a miserable plague. When the heart is not at unity with itself, the work of religion cannot go on. Indecision of mind and division of affections mar any work. The heart must be one, that the work may be one. If this be wanting, all is wrong. This is a prayer which becomes the mouth of every Christian."

If we are to live our lives well, to honor Christ, to be an example to our family, friends and coworkers, then we must with all sincerity adopt this prayer of David. This must be our daily devotion our constant goal.

 Dear Lord, you know my human frailty, my spirit is willing my flesh is weak! Help me to walk humbly before you. Give me courage to resist the negative influences of this world and the demonic temptations of the enemy of my soul. Give me an undivided heart that I may follow you all the days of my life, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.