Resting in Hope

Resting in Hope by Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Psalm 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

God fed the Israelites manna for forty years.  When the wilderness years were over, the manna ceased, but the provision of God continued.  Our God is Jehovah Jirah, the God who provides.  When we forget that, we act out of our fear rather than out of our faith.  Our nation’s current financial crisis has caused many believers to forget our Lord’s ability to provide.  We panic rather than pray.  We despair rather than hope. The crisis appears to be overwhelming, but “with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) We can rest in His hope.

Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV)
³¹ Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall

we wear?'
³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all

these things.
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be

added to you.   

The key to resting in hope is seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.  

God’s provision is not limited to food and clothing.  He has provided us with salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we examine the definition of two Greek words translated as “salvation”, we find that salvation means deliverance, safety, healing, health and prosperity.  If salvation meant only that we will have eternity with our Lord, it would be enough to cause us to live always in hope.  However, our God is a God of abundance.  Not only does salvation insure our eternity, it insures our today. 

We need deliverance and healing from fear, hopelessness, and despair.  We are conscious of the war of terror that is being waged on the international front.  We are not so aware of the war of terror that is being waged in our own hearts.  The news media reports what is happening in the world, but can offer no solution or hope.  Even most believers have resolved to expect the worst. 

How can believers reconcile what we see and hear around us with God’s word that He delights in us and has a future and a hope for us?  We must walk in faith according the promises of God.  Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Do you need faith?  God will supply it.  Do you need hope?  God will supply it.  Is a solution to our nation’s needs available?  Yes, and God has it.

When we forget the promises of God and vote out of fear, we elect more fear.  In the upcoming elections, it is vital that we move from that platform of fear and vote for people with Godly values.  

As consecrated, regenerated believers walking in His righteousness, let’s intercede before the throne of God on behalf of our nation.  Let’s declare His promises and rest in His hope.

Father, we are thankful that when we walk in Your righteousness, we can trust in Your provision.  We receive Your wisdom and Your hope.  We pray for the decision-makers of our nation that they, too, will seek Your wisdom.  I covenant with You to cast my ballot, not out of what the media and others perceive as my need, but out  of what You have eternally established as my path to a life of peace and hope. Amen.