December 5 – To Hope is To Wait

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.”  - Psalm 42:5  (NASB)

There is a promise here that is ours if we are willing to wait, to hope in God.  Depression is so very common among all people and it is nothing new.  The author of this psalm writes as if for all who will sing the song.  Being in despair is to be sunk down or depressed.  How do we react when we find our soul sunk down?  There is a mental illness some of us suffer with which is called depression but there is also these momentary times of depression due to profound sadness or disruption of our lives.  Death, loss of job or home, divorce, failure to succeed and many other circumstances which cause us to be in despair in a common way.  We learn this promise here that if we respond to such times by hoping in the only one who is unchangeable, our God; if we are willing to wait for his solution to work out, we are promised a return to praising Him again. He will come and His presence will bring help and the wisdom and guidance we need. God never forsakes His own. 

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October 29 – Finding Strength

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV)

David, many times in his life faced deadly dangers. As a shepherd, a warrior, anointed King, and King. His life was threatened many times and each time He knew where to go for help. Sometimes he would get distressed but He knew to turn to God in prayer and God gave Him victory over the ones who opposed and threatened him. We can have the same experience and receive the help we need from God. It is from God that we find and receive strength. Resting and trusting in God when things look dark and desperate is what God has called us to do. God will give us the ability to face our situation whatever it is, whatever threats exist. That  is our promise.

October 28 – None But Him

“And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:21b-22 (NIV)

These are important words which we should never forget. There is only One true God, but how wonderful to know that this is all we need. Yes, this one true God has made a way for us to know Him and to know what He can do for us. In our verse God calls Himself our Savior and He invites us to turn to Him. If we do turn to Him He will save us from sin and save us from despair and from uncertainty.  No matter what other ways people choose to believe, our God is the only one who can meet our needs. So friends, lets listen to the words of the only God, for there is no other.