From Despair to Hope

       As is true with several of the psalms, Psalm 69 begins with despair and desperation and ends with hope and praise.  “Save me, O God!  For the waters have come up to my neck.  I sink in deep mire where there is no standing; I have come into…

The Proper Function of Hope

     In the Christian’s armor, hope is the helmet (1 Thessalonians 5:6).  Its purpose, therefore, is to protect your mind.  Whether or not your helmet is on your head is determined by you.  A helmet does not automatically or magically crown a soldier’s head; it…

Hope When Life’s Storms Come–Part 2

       The fact “God has not promised us smooth sailing, just safe passage” is clearly demonstrated in Psalm 35.  David is engulfed in stormy waters.  His initial response is to pray for Jehovah’s deliverance (vv. 1-8) and to anticipate his joyous response to God’s…

Hope When Life’s Storms Come (Part 1)

       No psalm better illustrates the observation that “God has not promised us smooth sailing, just safe passage” than does Psalm 35.  David is in stormy waters up to his eyes.  His ship of faith is sailing among those who: strive with him (v….