Today's Word of Encouragement (8/6/2020)

Yesterday, we were reminded of the importance of understanding the nature and various kinds of divine promises for the proper benefit of enjoying them. To that end, we saw the distinction between God’s commandments, threats, and promises. We will continue to reflect on the nature of divine promise.

According to the authors of Living by God’s Promises, Edward Leigh, a Puritan politician, said that divine promises are “the grounds of our hope, the objects of our faith, and the rule of prayer” (p. 2). We will reflect on the first of these three today.

We may not be always aware of the importance of hope in our lives. Too often, we are too busy checking off the list of our daily tasks and responsibilities to relish our hopes and dreams. But, when we think about it, we do what we do because we hope deep inside that it will lead to something good (even if it is no more that getting things done so we can finally get some rest). But imagine what our lives would be like if we were totally hopeless—that our situation would never get better, our sickness would never get healed, etc. According to a fictional account, the gate to hell has a sign that says, “All those who enter, abandon all hope.” Hell is to have absolutely no hope for all eternity.

So, it is human to hope. Even in a hopeless situation, we hope against hope, even if it is a false hope. Even false hopes can be beneficial for a time. But they will disappoint, eventually and surely. The only sure and true hope is that which is grounded in God’s promises. His promises flow out of His sovereign will, almighty power, and infinite wisdom. As such, they can never fail or be broken. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt 24:35). This is true especially of His words of promise to us. So, the authors say, “If we hope for the things the Lord has promised us, our hope is solid. Without God’s promises, we are either hopeless or overly hopeful” (p. 2).

What are you hoping for these days? Are they grounded in God’s promises? Isn't it so important for us to know what his promises are? Where do we find them? In His Word, of course! I hope this motivates you to read the Bible and pay attention to His wonderful promises and stake your faith on them! Have a wonderful day!

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