August 22: “THE LORD GIVES HOPE, JOY AND UNFAILING LOVE”

It sounds unreasonable and unrealistic for one to be expected to rejoice in the face of obvious threat and danger. However, this is the Lord’s expectation of us because He is able to shut the mouth of lions against His people and calm every storm risen against us. Those who hope on the mercy of God and fix their eyes on Him can truly rest in His unfailing love, which makes them ever so hopeful of the best in life. David testifies in the text we are considering that, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear Him, to watch over them and to ensure their well-being in every situation. He is able to deliver them from death and keep them alive even in famine. When our hearts wait on God, He fills us with joy and calms our nerves even when everything seems to go the contrary way. This was the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:16ff. Though they were held in prison custody, awaiting a suitable time to execute them, yet because they had their eyes on the Lord and held to Him as their hope, their hearts could relax and rejoice, and they could genuinely sing hymns of praise to God even in that situation.

Beloved, no matter what ugly situation you are in; no matter how hopeless it seems to be with you, the Lord can truly give you joy and hope as an expression of His unfailing love for you. As you go through this moment of meditation, open up to the Holy Spirit and let Him pour out His joy into your heart and renew your hope. Until He says so you are not at the end of your life, so keep your heart on Him, for you shall yet rejoice.

Prayer: Lord, with you in my life, no one can stop the fountain of my joy, for my hope is in you.