HOPE, HELP AND TRUE HAPPINESS

“HAPPY is he who has the God of Jacob for his HELP, whose HOPE is in the LORD his God” – Psalm 146:5

There are strong links between HOPE, HELP, and TRUE HAPPINESS: “HAPPY is he who has the God of Jacob for his HELP, whose HOPE is in the LORD his God” (Psa.146:5). Whoever has the God of Jacob as Lord cannot be helpless, hopeless or unhappy. The Happiness that comes from this Hope is not like the elusive, transient happiness that the world offers, the pursuit of which, often ends in emptiness and frustration. Such worldly happiness continues to escape the human grasp because, in large measure, the things people tend to pursue do not touch the deepest needs of their hearts. Carnal pursuits may provide moments of temporary enjoyment, distraction, or pleasure, but the cry of the heard goes unheard – the cry for help and hope. And so, the psalmist pointed out a better way: Happiness based on Hope in God’s Help!

The Psalmist cautioned against the folly of putting one’s trust or hope in mortals who themselves are helpless: “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish” (vv.3-4). In striking contrast, the Lord who must be our Object of Hope is the Creator of all things: “Who made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: who keeps truth for ever: Who executes judgment for the oppressed: who gives food to the hungry. The LORD looses the prisoners: The LORD opens the eyes of the blind: the LORD raises those who are bowed down: the LORD loves the righteous: The LORD preserves the strangers; he relieves the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked He turns upside down” (vv.6-9).

This Hope-driven happiness – that which is found only in the Lord – is akin to Joy. Romans 12:12 says, “REJOICE IN HOPE, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom.12:12). It is only when we entrust ourselves to God and His care that we can find the authentic happiness and lasting Joy that we seek. Our hope and help are found in trusting the Lord. Only in Him would we know the real Joy and satisfaction that our hearts long for, as we look beyond the superficial things of life to the things that really matter. No one is helpless or hopeless whose trust and hope are in God and His Word.

Biblical Hope is not empty, unfounded optimism which only ends in disappointment and heartaches. The Believer’s Hope is unique. It is a confident assurance and trust in God and what He is doing in the world and in our lives. The writer of Hebrews clearly stated the significance of hope: “Let us hold fast the confession of our Hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb.10:23). Hope is not for suckers. Trusting God’s Word to come through is not being naïve or gullible. Having Biblical Hope is not foolish, because it has a strong foundation. We hold fast to the hope we have received in Christ because God is faithful. He can be trusted with anything and everything we will ever face – both for today and forever.

Our hope is grounded in the trustworthy Character of the God who loves us with an everlasting love. With God, there is Hope even in the most hopeless situation. God’s Help will always come through for those who hope in His Love. The songwriter said: “My hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” Hope that has its foundation in God will never crumble under the pressures of life.