THERE IS HOPE

“And you would be secure, because THERE IS HOPE; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety” – Job 11:18

The Word of God assures that for ALL who come to Him trustingly, THERE IS HOPE: “And you would be secure, because THERE IS HOPE; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor” (Job 11:18-19). Zophar was the most assertive and opinionated among Job’s well-intentioned friends. He told Job that if he puts away sin and allows no evil to dwell in his tent, then all would be well: “If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents” (v.14). He assumed that if only Job would own up to the sin in his life, he would be secure and confident. This is naturally sensible. However, God’s promise to keep us safe and secure is fulfilled through our relationship with and trust in Him.

Trusting God for our safety and security depends, not on our sinless perfection, but on His ability to sustain us through all our circumstances. We are to trust God because He is the all-good God who loves us and has our best interests at heart. Even when conditions aren’t favourable we must still trust Him because ultimately He has everything under control. Nothing happens without His foreknowledge or consent. If He allows something to happen in our lives that we don’t like, we can still trust Him to bring about His good purposes through the seemingly unpleasant situation. When we have such sense of security planted in our hearts, we have Hope! THERE IS HOPE, no matter what! Nothing is beyond God’s concern or control. There is no reason for us to be afraid of the unexpected, because nothing is ever unexpected to God!

God can turn any situation around. Though Zophar began his narrative with great acrimony and severity, assuming that Job’s suffering was due to hidden and unconfessed sin, the substance of his words in these latter verses, bore Gems of Hope. He inferred that if Job would repent, it would be well with him; and he would enjoy much comfort, peace, security, and safety, even to old age! The Message Bible conveys this Confident Expectation or Hope, so strikingly: “You’ll forget your troubles; they’ll be like old, faded photograph. Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring. FULL of HOPE, you’ll relax, confident again; you’ll look around, sit back, and take it easy. Expansive, without a care in the world, you’ll be hunted out by many for your blessing” (Job 11: 16-19, MSG).

It is possible to be FULL of HOPE. The Word of God profusely offers HOPE in diverse situations and to varied kinds of people. His Word provide ample comfort and clear light through life’s dark tunnels. Through the efficacy of Scriptures, we have a soothing reminder that, in Christ, we are much more resilient than we think we are: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phi.4:13). God is watching over us, and there is light to be found even in the darkest moments of life. There is Hope for all and in all situations, no matter life’s challenges.

God doesn’t discriminate on the matter of Hope! HOPE is available to ALL: the abandoned, afflicted, and anxious; the broken-hearted, depressed, and desperate; the inadequate, insecure, and labouring; the outcast, outmarched, and rejected; the toiling and the troubled; the undeserving and the vulnerable; the weak, weary, and even the hopeless! We shall be meditating on diverse manifestations of Hope in the coming days. Beloved, God never gives up on anyone or in any situation, if we do not. THERE IS HOPE for ALL!