Experiencing Hope in Troubling Times

The times we live in today are certainly troubling. You have Critical Race Theory and Cultural Marxism Gender confusion and homosexuality, Right to Life vs Abortion, Apostasy in the Church, anti-Christian politics and even Media manipulation and discrimination.

With all the trials and tribulations of our world, our country, our society, and our culture, we may ask ourselves, what are we to do so we do not lose heart and become weary?
The answers to that question are found throughout the Bible. You will find it in the lives, faith, and works of many Godly men of the bible. King David said he encouraged himself in the Lord, his God.
1 Sam 30:6 - And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

 

David’s faith supplied him with inward resources of comfort and gave him the strength he needed.
How do we encourage ourselves in the Lord?

Since turning to God isn't enough, just like David we must also trust God and wait on Him. It starts with believing what we know about God and trusting that His words are true and He is faithful to do as He says. Only God has the true answers and the power to direct us.

We seek the Lord, just as David did, by
1. turning to and resting in the Lord
2. wait on the Lord
3. acting by the strength of the Lord. 

1. Finding Rest in the Lord 

Ps 37:7 - Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
We find rest in the Lord when we remember the truths about God.
He is a good Father who loves His children. He has made promises to us and He is faithful to fulfill them. Ps 20:7, 42:6, 145:17

· We remember God is sovereign over all things, including the wicked. Ps 115:3

·  We remember that God is just. He will, in His time, judge all injustice. Ps 75:7

·  We remember that all wickedness/sin will be paid for. Ps 145:20

·  Jesus paid for our sin. In that we find rest. Matt 11:29

 2. Waiting on the Lord

How do we wait patiently and silently? By knowing. 
Ps 62:1 Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. How do we wait patiently and silently? By knowing.

·  We know that God is in control and has promised to work in His way and in His time. We can trust Him. Ps 18:30

·  We know that God is faithful to keep His promises. We can have confidence in Him. Ps 111:7, 119:138

·  We know that God acts according to His purpose and plan and so we have hope in His will and His ways. Ps 25:4, 119:15, 128:1

·  Wait on the Lord. Hab 1:2, 2:3, 3:17-18

 3. Strength in the Lord

Ps 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Ps 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Waiting on God doesn’t mean sitting around and hoping God will strengthen us. Waiting requires a passage of time. It requires patience. And the Lord will give us that too.

God promises to give strength and peace. Why don't we always have it? 

·  God allows trials, tribulation, and affliction into our live. But in all things, He has purpose. He knows what we face and He gives grace to meet our needs. The grace He gives transforms us and enables us to live in His strength. Ps 28:7-8, 118:14

·   God will deliver us: 2 Sam 22:1,33 And David spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: {33} God is my strength and power: And he makes my way perfect.

·  We need to see all afflictions as opportunities to grow in the strength and peace of God. We should respond with joyful willingness, fueled by a heart captured by God’s glory, goodness, and grace. Having a heart devoted to loving and serving Him. Hab 3:19 
Our hope is in the Lord. Ps 31:24 This hope we have is an anchor for our soul

·  Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

·  James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. Waiting on the Lord includes believing God will do as He’s promised.

·  Waiting requires active living, based on confidence in God's presence and promises, and with an expectation that He will direct one's path and meet one's needs.
Our rest, our strength, our hope is in the Lord. We can trust Him in all things and wait on Him to work, according to His purpose and plan and knowing He works all things together for His glory and our good.