May 09, 2019: SOAP #3444:  2Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 71:10 For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. 11 They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no-one will rescue him.”
12 Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
14 But as for me, I shall always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

Observation:   The Psalmist was aware of his circumstances.  He was aware of what his enemies were saying.  His enemies were saying that God had forsaken him.  BUT the Psalmist knew better!  He had one thing that would never run out—HOPE!   He could remember what God had done through the year and now that he was older, he had HOPE.

Application:   Hope is a confidence that everything will work out for good.  (Romans 8:28) When God is on our side, hope is ALWAYS available.  When I was young, I learned some about hope.  As I have aged, I have learned more about hope.  Now that I am older, I have more reason for hope than ever before.  I know God better.  I know His Word better.  I know more about eternity.  Whatever happens on this earth, for the child of God, things are going to get better!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you do not give me hope; YOU are my hope!  Without you, life is hopeless.  You are my firm foundation when the world is swaying.  You hold me together when everything is falling apart.  I will always have you; I will always have hope!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!