Biblical Hope is the antidote to DEPRESSION, DISCOURAGEMENT.
“Why are you in despair,{sunk down} O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”-{Psalm 43:5 }.
The word “despair” means “downcast…disturbed”- laid low, depressed…agitated… “feelings” that took the Psalmist into deep despair. And he confronts himself asking a question and gives himself the answer-“Hope in God!” The Psalmist SPEAKS to himself, “WHY cast down o my soul?” And again he SPEAKS to himself, and gives the answer to the root of the problem, “Put your HOPE IN GOD!” While despair and depression rob us of hope or offer us a substitute, Scripture points us to the Source of Hope and reveals Him as the God of Hope!-{Read Rom 15:13}
Hope’s confidence turns from despair to focusing on God, His Person, character, Word, and Promises! Think the Truth about Him, trust in Him, as revealed in His Word. Set Him before your thinking. As the Psalmist said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”-{Psalm 16:8}
Biblical Hope, is “confident expectation,” In God. The Certainty of eternal realities, as revealed in His Word! The strength of hope is in God’s ability and RELIABILITY To Fulfill All Of His Promises!
- Biblical Hope is found in a PERSON -{1 Tim 1:1}.
- Biblical Hope is found in the WORD OF GOD. -{Rom 15:4}
- Biblical Hope is Experienced through PRAYER -{Rom 15:13}
- Biblical Hope is the GIFT OF GOD-{Rom 15:5; 13}
- Biblical Hope is the Answer to DESPAIR.-{Psalm 43:5}
Take time and read each verse mentioned. Meditate upon them, Pray them, and Praise Him who has Given His Word to encourage you, strengthening you!
Biblical Hope is “Confident expectation”- The Certainty of eternal realities, as revealed in His Word!
Hope In Him!
PRAYER;
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”-{Rom 15:13}. Hope produces joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.What a prayer of dependence upon the God of Hope and a prayer request!
Think of three people and pray this prayer for them. Put their name in the place of “you” so as to personalize it. Pray it for yourself. He is able and delights to answer prayer according to His Will as revealed in His Word!
God Bless,
Aidan,