Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 11, 2015
No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Psalm 25:3
We are shameless when our hope is in our Savior Jesus Christ. Others may make fun of our simple faith, but they cannot shame us. Ironically critics of faith are the ones to be ashamed. They are without hope. Misplaced hope is a sham. It leads to deep disappointment and disillusionment. Shame is the reward of sin. On the other hand, freedom is the fruit of hope. We have nothing to be embarrassed about when we hope in Jesus. Our Savior is never put to shame.
However hope is often related to our hurt. It is out of our pain that hope in Christ seems the most compelling. Our pain in suffering produces a need and capacity for hope. Suffering enlarges the heart by creating the power to sympathize. When we have been poor we have more empathy for the poor. When we have combated disease our prayers gravitate to the ill. It is out of our hope that we extend hope to the hopeless. Hopeful hearts look for those seeking the Lord.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalms 25:5).
Furthermore our hope is reserved for us in heaven. Our Heavenly Father owns our hope. In Him we never have to fear embarrassment. Our Savior’s hope will never bring shame to our situation. No rational thinking person would say, “What a shame that Christians have forgiveness of their sins, abundant life on earth and the hope of heaven.” If anything, people without hope may be jealous and ashamed of their own hopeless condition. Hope gives hope.
So heaven’s hope is alive and well. It is awaiting the engagement of faithful followers of Jesus. Like a secret garden accessible by faith alone, we have the luscious environment of hope for our enjoyment. We can sit and smell the flowers of God’s faithfulness. We can bite into the delicious juicy fruit of God’s peace. We can stand without fear in the warm light of the Lord’s love. Hope may be lost for a season, so do not be ashamed to continually seek the Lord. Seek the Lord while He can be found. You will find hope in God. Hope is not ashamed of faith in Jesus!
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I place my hope in You and trust You to guide me in Your will.
Application: How can I grow my hope in the Lord? What does it mean to be guided by God’s truth?
Related Readings: Psalm 62:5; Micah 7:7; Acts 24:15-16; Romans 15:13; 1 Timothy 6:17
Post/Tweet this today: Like a secret garden, we have the luscious environment of hope in Christ for our enjoyment. #hopeinGod #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 6 minute video- Hillsong: Cornerstone
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