My Hope

                                                             Artist: Lorena Vigil-Escalera
   
    Psalm 33
  
   18  But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
        on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
   ¹⁹  to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
   ²⁰  We wait in hope for the LORD;
        he is our help and our shield.
   ²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,  for we trust in his holy name.
   ²² May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
       even as we put our hope in you.

To say the economy has been a bit shaky would be an understatement. One moment we hear that progress is being made and the next we hear of companies missing their projected earnings and the sector and that sector of the economy was much weaker than thought. Either we've grown so cold and accustomed to this type of news that we have become calloused to it (tor protect our heart), or we've let it consume us (like a caterpillar eating a leaf).

The psalmist had it right in verse 22, "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

One thing for sure and a solid practice- only put your hope in something or someone who cannot change. Yep, you know where I'm going with. The problem we have is we put our "hope" in a person or "vehicle" that seems to solve a problem we face at the moment- usually the most glaring one. But a new employee, a love interest for the holidays, or a budding achievement can only give us so much. What we end up doing is placing our hope in a "vehicle" that only met a temporary need.

Two things for sure here. Your problem is temporary and there will always be more. How is that for hope? I know a bit pale.  But the point is regardless of how we insulate our lives whether it is with people (even to codependency, more success, money, acts of mercy) or things, only serve as temporary answers to a temporary problem. In this fallen world, problems will ALWAYS exist.  Its the reality of growth and life. Thats why we say the "Challenge" of life not the "Stroll" of life.

In the Bible we learn God is our rock. He's a firm foundation that cannot be moved.  Furthermore, James writes,


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (1:17 NIV).


God is good and he does not change. The word change implies and applies to many places of our life; most importantly, He does not change his mind about his promises to us especially salvation. So regardless of how you "feel" today or whatever ambitious exploit you plan, take a deep breath, look up to heaven, and tell your heavenly Father what is on your mind. Recommit your heart to him today.  Place that whole weight of hope on the only One who can bear all of it for He does not change like shifting shadows.


Father, I thank you for you are my help and true hope. Today, I ask for your help even in small things. Direct my thoughts.  For I can do much with my strength, but it only goes so far.  But you LORD, you do all things as they should.  

He Lifts My Head

Psalm 3:3-5

3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD;
you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

4 To the LORD I cry aloud,
and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me

Growing up Vietnamese was confusing at times especially if you were educated in the states. At home I was taught to “live in humility and respect” towards those older or in higher authority. No doubt we were influenced by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius. I grew up always looking at the ground instead of looking directly at people.

In school I was encouraged to “speak up” and ask questions, but at home “speaking up” was taken as challenging authority. What a dichotomy. My teachers were frustrated that I never asked questions in class, and then when I mustered the nerves to speak up, my parents would remind me of my place- never question them.

As I study God’s word, I am reminded of the liberty we have in Christ. We don’t have to walk around like we are ashamed or as if we are the lowliest people on earth. Surely humility is not just found in “the posture”. If it were, Asians would be the humblest people on earth, and you and I know that Asians are not that humble! It takes more than bowing our physical body to be humble- especially towards God.

Back to my original thought- God lifts our head up high. Our heavenly Father sustains us and gives us reason to lift our head. We don’t have to walk around like we are the lowliest of people, but we can hold our head high because our Father is pleased with us because we are made right with Him through His son, Jesus.

As you go about today, here are three things to think about:

1. God is our shield. What is one to do with a shield? Hind behind it and seek its protection. Praise God that He is our shield and protection. Ask Him to protect your heart, your thoughts, your body, your family, and your spiritual growth today.

2. God answers us. Yes, He hears your prayers. Call to Him.

3. We have no fear of what is ahead and even the events passed because our God watches over us and turns all things for our benefit. And because I know God watches over me with good intentions I can rest without fear. Walk about today knowing that whatever comes your way is in God’s sight.

Dear Father, I rest in you today. You are my strength and shield. Thank you for my rest last night, and please continue to keep your eyes on me. Where are you at work that I may join you? Amen.

The Point of No Return

Proverbs 18:9-10

9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Not too long ago it was a trend to "be lazy". I haven't been following to see if this is still the "in" thing to say to friends but its never caught on with me. Truth is, if I had a choice, I would be lazy. Truthfully, I like the idea of waking up Saturday morning at 11A but then reality hits, and I am reminded of the futile life. What good would that do me? What benefits this life?

A great reminder that running to the LORD is a wise thing. He is our strong tower. Why not? I once was asked, "why do we treat God like Santa Claus by asking him for things?" As I reflect on this more, I am reminded how "Western" this question was.

In America, as in many Western countries, it is the individual, the "me" that we pride on. Though there is something "sexy" about this, it is not the biblical view. Previous to this year, the USA Men's Olympic Basketball team lost twice to teams of other countries with far less "star power". How could these teams beat or team with Lebron, Melo, and DWade? It was simple. The teams played team basketball, while we played more an exhibitionist-individual performance brand. This year we won because of "TEAM".

I'm getting somewhere with this. The notion that we can do it ourself or we shouldn't call on God until we need Him is not biblical. We are to "call to Him" as written in Jeremiah 33:3. We need to continually rely on Him- thats called Lordship. The Western worl prays for a Savior but not many live for the LORD.

How do we differentiate? Simple. In the past week, what has our prayer consisted of? Has it been "God, thank you for the food, thank you for the bed, thank you.....AMEN?" Or rather, has it been "God this is how things have been going? Where are you at work today? What does this mean"? The first is one demensional. You talking to God so he can hear, but you rather not have the reponse. The second is relational. You are seeking God. He is LORD, and you are asking your Lord about life- all of it.

So today, my challenge is to yield to my Lord and Savior Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank you for life, for today, for my rest last night. You are a good God. Where are you at work today that I may join you? Amen.