HOPE
Posted on January 9, 2017 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23
For the past several years I have asked the Lord for a word to focus on for the new year. I challenged our prayer partners to do the same again this year and have received back a number of cool words.
I failed to share with them the word the Lord gave me for 2017 which is the word HOPE.
The word hope in the Scriptures is defined differently than our normal English understanding of the word. This week, I am leaving for Florida and I hope that it will be warmer than it is here. I hope that I am going to have pre-check when I arrive at the airport. I hope that I am sitting on the plane with some normal people vs. my last trip home from Florida when I was surrounded with 15 out of control kids who made the flight home miserable.
“Hope” in the Scriptures are not a wishful thinking kind of hope. The word ‘hope’ in Scripture is more about that deep settled assurance that it will happen. You can take it to the bank – you can expect it to happen.
Lamentations 3:21-23 is a great illustration of this truth. Because of His mercies, we are not consumed! Wow. If it wasn’t for His mercy I would have been a goner a LONG time ago. We can count on the fact that His compassion never fails. Check out what Paul said in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the long of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Consequences? Absolutely. But there isn’t ANYTHING that can ever separate you and me from HIS love.
We aren’t hoping his mercies are new every morning. They are! Consider it done. It is going to happen. Count it!!! We can count on it because of His great faithfulness.
A good old Jersey boy Hymn Writer penned these words:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and starts in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today and bright HOPE for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand besides!
Would you prayerfully consider a word for 2017. I would love to hear the word you will be focusing on this year. Email it to me at bwelte@americaskeswick.org. God bless you. Dr. Bill Welte
Written by Dr. Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Romans 3-4 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “The nature of hope is to expect that which faith believes.” – Richard Stibbes
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Psalm 63:7