LIVING HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

“His heart is established; He will not be afraid…” – Psalm 112:8a

The LORD GOD is the Giver of LIVING HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES: “His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies” (Psa.112:8). The world seems increasingly uncertain with every passing day. Things we would have said were impossible are suddenly commonplace. Globally and from nation to nation, everything appears to be in a state of flux. What an assurance and relief it is to know that seasons of uncertainty – social, economic or political – do not catch God off guard! He knows everything that is going on in the world. He also knows what lies ahead. He is not disturbed by or uncertain of the future. He is orchestrating all things to fulfil His eternal, redemptive purposes and to glorify Himself.

However intense and painful the circumstances may be, they need not overwhelm us or puncture our peace. We find in Psalm 112 reassurance and hope for seasons of uncertainty, and faith to face the future. Verse 1 says, “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” That’s where hope and faith are born – the fear of the Lord and delight in His Word. When we fear Him, and follow His leading and Word, we have no need to fear anyone or anything else. Rather, we are filled with faith, peace, and joy. The blessing extends to the offspring of the righteous: “His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed” (v.2).

Furthermore, God will provide for the sustenance and material needs of His beloved: “Wealth and riches will be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (v.3). When the fear of the Lord is in place, wealth and riches do not negate righteousness. We are not the source of our own righteousness. God cloaks us in His own righteousness, based on the finished work of His Son on the cross; hence it endures forever!

Verse 4 affirms that when the world is at its darkest, it shall be sunrise in the life of the Christ-centred Believer: “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” It is in the character of the upright to extend arms of fellowship and love to others in distress. He or she is a Vessel of Grace, a Minister of Mercy, a Model of Righteousness, and a Channel of Generosity (vv.4-5, 9). When all of these are in place, then the platform is erected to stand firm in faith and untroubled by uncertainty (vv.6-8). In addition, “his horn will be exalted with honour” (v.9b).

The world is not heaven. It is a warped world. And there is a real enemy out there, who causes real problems in the world, and whose three-fold mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (Jh.10:10). The question is: when problems arise, what will be your attitude or response? Will you be shaken or unshaken? Will you be shattered or unbreakable? Will you be swept off by rushing tides or remain firm and fixed in faith? Will you give up or stand unmoveable, holding on to the Anchor of your soul? Will you despair or hope in the Lord?

God is completely worthy of our trust and hope. He strengthens our hearts in the midst of uncertain times. Anything that makes us need God is a blessing! Even seasons of leanness can prove to be times of great blessing, as we are stripped of self-reliance and our hearts are turned toward the Lord. Crises can provide opportunities for God’s people to flourish spiritually and point others to Christ – our only Rock and Hope.

Jehovah knows what I am facing, and cares for me. Therefore, I choose unshakable and unbreakable hope. I choose to believe in the Lord who has dealt so faithfully and mercifully with me. I choose to look upward and forward; to focus on Christ rather than on the world’s crises. God is still on the throne and is accomplishing His purposes in my life and in the world. I will triumph through every season of turmoil.